Phil Smith’s Sunderland ratings v Leeds United as pair earn nines after Diarra’s penalty | OneFootball

Sunderland hit the 40-point mark with a famous win at Elland Road, secured by Habib Diarra’s second-half penalty after long spells of defence.

According to Sunderland Echo, debutant goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was given eight for tidy distribution and assured work at set plays, even if he could not reach Stach’s free-kick for an offside goal.

Luke O’Nien received seven, having looked fortunate not to concede a first-half penalty when Struijk went down at a corner, before locking down his flank after the break.

Dan Ballard earned eight, aside from a couple of misjudgements from long balls, he produced big late interventions and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had little say in this one.

Omar Alderete was rated nine and described as immense, making countless crucial challenges, particularly in the closing stages, and proving central to the victory.

Source: Sunderland Echo