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Lee Burge: 6/10
Made one brilliant save to deny Alex MacDonald at 1-1. There were several others who should have done better to stop Jordan Graham’s equaliser, but Burge still ended up exposed in no man’s land.
Max Power: 7/10
Put in one outstanding cross that was wasted by Aiden O’Brien and Charlie Wyke. Did a decent job defensively, even if his persistent fouling remains a problem.
Tom Flanagan: 7/10
Nearly scored with a brilliant half volley, made some timely interceptions.
Jordan Willis: 7/10
Similar to Flanagan there were several crucial interventions, Willis was particularly impressive in the air, both winning headers and putting Gills’ strikers off. Like Flanagan, some suspect clearances and passes out from the back put our side under unnecessary pressure.
Callum McFadzean: 4/10
Unsurprisingly, McFadzean vs. Jordan Graham was a total mismatch, McFadzean’s passing was ok, but he regularly got roasted one-on-one.
Grant Leadbitter: 7/10
Got through probably more defensive work than he has in any other game this season. Followed up his penalty miss to put us back ahead at a crucial moment in the match.
Josh Scowen: 6/10
Frustratingly inconsistent, should be a much better passer considering his ability. But, Scowen’s ability to be first to the ball and win 50-50s was seriously impressive, he won a tonne of important second-half free kicks.
Aiden McGeady: 7/10
Went through large swathes of the game doing nothing and yet somehow without him Sunderland almost certainly would have lost. The Cruyff-turn to win the penalty was magnificent.
Jack Diamond: 4/10
Didn’t see much of the ball, when he did he quickly gave it straight back to a Gillingham player.
Aiden O’Brien: 3/10
One of those games where you wonder whether O’Brien is physically capable of playing up front. Surrendered possession time and time again.
Charlie Wyke: 4/10
Worked tirelessly, but didn’t do enough when the ball was played into him.
(SUB) Lynden Gooch: 7/10
His final ball was erratic, but Gooch’s pace and drive gave Sunderland the outlet they were crying out for in the first-half.
(SUB) Luke O’Nien: n/a
Came on just before stoppage time.
(SUB) Dion Sanderson: n/a
Came on with O’Nien.
Man of the Match
Aiden McGeady