James Copley's Sunderland player ratings vs Newcastle United at St James's Park | OneFootball

Sunderland’s visit to St James's Park delivered the familiar Tyne-Wear intensity, with the rivals split by only a handful of Premier League points.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris’ side looked to impose themselves against a Newcastle team seeking a response after a difficult week.

Newcastle opened the scoring, then Trai Hume, operating at left-back, hooked the ball back for Sunderland’s second-half equaliser.

Melker Ellborg, six, was nervy early on as a delayed goal kick invited pressure from Anthony Gordon, and his first-half distribution wobbled before he improved after the break.

Hume, seven, also stepped into midfield when required and showed composure throughout, delivering a steady display.

Lutsharel Geertruida, seven, started at right-back and struggled in a disjointed first half, but after the interval he advanced with purpose and posed a threat.

Omar Alderete, nine, defended assuredly and could do little about the opener, excelling on the ball with line-breaking passes and standing out as Sunderland’s best performer.

Source: Sunderland Echo