The Momentum Report - Burnley v Sunderland

Match Report

The fairytale return to the Premier League for Sunderland has come crashing back down to earth, with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Burnley.

The game started in a similar vein to the West Ham game, with Burnley dominating possession, but Sunderland still creating the chances, with Eliezer Mayenda and Chemsdine Talbi both having clear-cut chances on goal, Mayenda’s shot saved by Dubravka, and Talbi’s shot just wide of the post.

Unfortunately, Dan Ballard picked up what seemed to be a muscle injury in his leg early on in the match and couldn’t continue, replaced by Jenson Seelt.

Burnley did put the ball in the net, Lyle Foster dispossessed Jenson Seelt, then slotted the ball into the net, but was deemed to have fouled Seelt, and the goal didn't stand.

The first half remained equal, with chances for both sides, but nothing concrete for either side to hang their hat on. A late burst of pressure for Burnley saw Jaidon Anthony’s header spray just wide of the post at the half-time whistle.

The second half started with a hammer blow from Burnley, as Josh Cullen curled a perfectly placed shot past Robin Roefs into the net to open the scoring.

With the lead, Burnley sat back into their low block, frustrating Sunderland and killing the game from there, as Jaidon Anthony finished a perfectly executed 88th-minute counter-attack.

10 minutes of added time, thanks to a flickering floodlight causing a delay to proceedings, beared no fruit for the Mackems, the introduction of Marc Guiu led to some chances, but none testing Dubravka.

Burnley displayed quality throughout and thoroughly looked like a team with experience at this level, while Sunderland looked like a team on their first Premier League away day in eight seasons. But by no means, no need to panic for Regis Le Bris’ men.

Player Ratings

Robin Roefs - 6/10

Two goals conceded for Roefs today, hard to blame him for the first goal as Josh Cullen placed that shot perfectly where no keeper could reach. However, Roefs' failed attempt to clear the ball left Jaidon Anthony an open goal to seal the result.

Reinildo Mandava - 7/10

A solid game for Reinildo, who kept Hannibal mostly silent. Reinildo completed 91% of his passes and committed 12 defensive contributions.

Dan Ballard - N/A

Such a shame, after a Man of the Match performance against West Ham, Dan Ballard only lasted nine minutes before injury ended his game. Ballard almost assisted a potential Sunderland opener, with a beautiful flick-on from a free kick down to Eliezer Mayenda, but Dubravka saved. Hope Ballard recovers quickly, Sunderland needs him.

Omar Alderete - 7/10

A full 90 minutes in the tank for the La Liga Team of the Season centre-back, who did nothing wrong and contributed to silencing Hannibal with Reinildo. 87% pass completion, nine defensive contributions, a solid game for the Paraguayan.

Trai Hume - 7/10

Solid game for the Northern Irishman, winning 75% of his ground and aerial duels and 100% tackle completion. Tried to kickstart the stagnant attack with some looping crosses, but none connected.

Granit Xhaka - 7/10

The Sunderland captain once again epitomised everything good about this side, even if there wasn't much good overall in the result. Xhaka commanded the midfield, reset the tempo when an attack recycled backwards, and completed 92 of 100 passes.

Noah Sadiki - 6/10

Not as “everywhere” as against West Ham, Sadiki did improve on the statsheet, however. 100% tackle completion and 83% pass completion, but not much to contribute going forward, which will become a theme for the rest of the squad.

Habib Diarra - 6/10

Similarly to Sadiki, nothing wrong with Diarra’s game per sé, just not enough going forward.

Chemsdine Talbi - 6/10

Arguably, the benefactor of Sunderland’s best chance of the game, Talbi, yet again looked lively, but with nothing to show for it.

Simon Adingra - 5/10

A yellow card that easily could’ve been a red, Adingra let anger get the best of him by slapping Hannibal during a skirmish, and was lucky to stay on the pitch. Nevertheless, Adingra remained a spark in the attack in that promising first half.

Eliezer Mayenda - 6/10

Nothing to show for a solid performance from Mayenda, a beautiful hold-up dribble down the right wing in the first half springs to mind. However, that clear-cut chance created by Ballard simply had to be converted.

Substitutes

Jenson Seelt - 6/10: More minutes in the tank for Seelt after his nasty fall against West Ham, still looked rusty in the backline and will need to clean up his distribution.

Enzo Le Fée - 7/10: Bright spark off the bench to provide some hope once the second goal went in, nothing to show for it however.

Patrick Roberts - 5/10: Forgot he was on the pitch to be honest, did nothing wrong, but contributed very little off the bench.

Wilson Isidor - 5/10: Similarly to Roberts, not much to report from Isidor.

Marc Guiu - 6/10: Brought the energy for his 20-minute cameo, a couple of shots, made himself a nuisance for the Burnley defence, the most likely to score out of anyone.

What’s next?

Sunderland host Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, then welcome Brentford to the Stadium of Light next Saturday. Panic not, Sunderland Fans. We won't win them all.