Lee Burge: 6/10
The was nothing much he could have done for Rochdale’s two first half goals, but did everything asked of him throughout the game - which was’t that much.
Conor McLaughlin: 5/10
Brought back into the side at right wingback but did very little going forward in the first half, and was arguably at fault for Lund’s first goal. He was better in the second period, getting forward a lot more but rarely getting good crosses into the box.
Tom Flanagan: 7/10
Regained his place in the starting 11 left centre back and looked neat and composed for much of the first half. In the second he passed really well and looked solid when challenged at the back.
Bailey Wright: 6/10
We saw a standard, rather than a vintage, Wright performance this evening, a few good clearing headers and credited with the second goal in the first half, but sometimes wasteful on the ball when he wasn’t given passing options in midfield.
Max Power: 4/10
Power was completely bypassed by Rochdale in the first half and wasn't able to control the game for large periods, meaning Wright was forced to look for long balls rather than playing out from the back. He nevertheless nearly won us the game on 87 minutes when he hit the bar.
Chris Maguire: 4/10
He had a quiet first half, failing to take advantage of a promising break away and generally struggled to get into the game. He had a couple of half chances and was more involved early in the second period. He was anonymous when switched to the left hand side and was subbed for Scowen on 75’.
George Dobson: 3/10
Started in the midfield for the first time since the opening day, and had a poor first half despite bringing his usual energy to the pitch. He was probably at fault for their second goal getting in the way of Sanderson and was terribly wasteful in possession throughout the game. He did put in a couple of decent challenges in the middle of the park, but all round a night to forget for Dobson.
Charlie Wyke: 6/10
Took his goal well in the first half, and possibly should have done better with a second headed opportunity when we were 2-1 up. His pressing improved in the second half and he was unlucky not to win a penalty on 67’, but rarely looked threatening in front of goal. Taken off on 80’, probably 15 minutes too late.
Lynden Gooch: 7/10
Reverted to a left sided forward position and was at the heart of everything good in the first half, putting in good crosses for both goals. He linked up well with Denver Hume early in the second, and was switched to the right midway through the second half. Out best attacking player and with two assists, he did really well.
Dion Sanderson: 6/10
Made an impressive Sunderland debut on the right of the three central defenders, Sanderson was the best of the defenders in the first half, looking strong, graceful and athletic at times. He got in a mess with Dobson for their second, but overall a decent first half. Recovered from a knock early in the second half to look comfortable on the ball.
Denver Hume: 6/10
In the first half Denver looked a threat with crossed from the left but allowed the cross for Rochdale’s first equaliser. Worked hard early in the second to provide a few good crosses left, as well as doing his job defensively when needed. He missed a glorious opportunity to win the game on 79 minutes, demonstrating that he needs to improve finishing if he is to progress.
(SUB) Josh Scowen : 7/10
Came on for Chris Magure on 75’, taking up the right attacking midfield position. He brought some real energy to our forward play, providing a few decent crosses.
(SUB) Danny Graham: n/a
Came on for Wyke on 80’. He should have followed up Power’s rebound on 87’, but didn’t quite get enough on in his header to win the game.
Man of the Match
Lynden Gooch