Top class opposition in Marseille weren’t able to beat Sunderland, with the Lads coming from behind twice thanks to goals from Cirkin and Aouchiche. Here’s how Andy rated the Lads!
Anthony Patterson: 7/10
Not always comfortable on the ball but made two fantastic quick fire saves in the second half. Caught coming out for the first goal but was a good finish, no chance with the second goal.
Trai Hume: 6/10
Got caught on the ball in the lead up to the second goal and was busy all afternoon with most of Marseille’s threat coming from that side. Played a lovely ball over the top for Rusyn for the final goal.
Luke O’Nien (C): 8/10
Played some great balls out wide and was usually the most comfortable of our players playing out of the opposition press. Mopped up a couple of times when a runner got past Hume but maybe could have done more to show the runner down the line for the second.
Aji Alese: 6/10
Had a busy afternoon and was outmuscled a few times by the Marseille striker in the first half, stuck at it though and great into the game.
Dennis Cirkin: 7/10
Looked quite comfortable defensively and more willing to get rid of the ball quickly rather than losing it in a dangerous position. Popped up with the first equaliser with a well taken header.
Dan Neil: 6/10
A very mixed game for Neil, there were times when he looked very comfortable on the ball but others where he gave the ball away far too cheaply while being pressed. Pressed well throughout though, just needs to pick his moments better.
Alan Browne: 7/10
Did well, was comfortable on the ball and worked hard to win it back. Got into the box often to support the attack and had a close range shot blocked in the second half.
Patrick Roberts: 7/10
Was a bit livelier throughout than Clarke on the opposite flank, causing some problems when he cut inside. Had one curling effort well saved in the second half and shot just over from a free kick in the first half.
Jobe Bellingham: 6/10
Like Neil there were a couple of instances where he needed to be sharper while under the Marseille press but was good otherwise, creating a chance for Browne and playing in Clarke for his shot against the post.
Jack Clarke: 6/10
Was a little bit passive, especially in the first half but had a few dangerous bursts, notably when he cut inside and curled a shot off the post with the score at 1-2.
Eliezer Mayenda: 6/10
Worked hard to close down the slow Marseille build up but no opportunities of note.
Leo Hjelde: 6/10
Almost won the game with a well struck header that the goalkeeper was equal to.
Substitutes
Chris Rigg: 6/10
Replaced Browne and did well enough that we didn’t miss the experienced midfielder’s presence.
Romaine Mundle: 6/10
Not as eye-catching as he was against Bradford.
Abdoullah Ba: 6/10
Very quiet following his introduction with the game ticking down.
Adil Aouchiche: 7/10
Scored a penalty with his first touch and then almost created the winner with a fantastic cross to Hjelde.
Nazariy Rusyn: 6/10
Won a penalty immediately after his introduction and hassled the Marseille defence constantly.
Man of the Match: Luke O’Nien
Our best defender on the day, with a number of important interceptions and tackles but was also by far our most comfortable defender when Marseille were pressing high up the pitch. Also played some neat balls out of defence, with one cross field ball to Clarke on the left wing a particular highlight.
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