James Copley’s Sunderland ratings after Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United | OneFootball

St James’s Park staged a full-blooded Tyne-Wear derby with the sides split by only a handful of Premier League points. Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland looked to assert themselves amid a hostile backdrop against a Newcastle team seeking a response after a difficult week. According to Sunderland Echo, these were the key player ratings.

Melker Ellborg appeared jittery early on, lingering over a goal kick that Anthony Gordon closed down. His distribution faltered under first-half pressure, but he steadied after the interval. Rating: six.

Trai Hume filled in at left-back and showed calm on the ball, at times stepping into midfield. He hooked the ball back for Sunderland’s second-half equaliser, rounding off a very steady display. Rating: seven.

Lutsharel Geertruida started at right-back and struggled before the break as Sunderland searched for rhythm. Far sharper after half-time, he carried a real threat going forward. Rating: seven.

Omar Alderete defended assuredly in the first half and could do nothing about Newcastle’s opener. Excellent with the ball, he repeatedly broke lines with passes into central areas and was Sunderland’s standout performer. Rating: nine.

Source: Sunderland Echo