Max O’Leary – 7
As he did against Portsmouth, the keeper produced big saves when his side needed them the most. Commanded his area well and would have deserved his clean sheet in the end.
Cam Pring – 7
Back to his best as he competed tirelessly down the left flank to give the Robins an outlet in and out of possession. Looked even better when pushed further forward in the second half.
Luke McNally – 8
While he hasn’t always been the most consistent, the centre-back was excellent in the North East. Produced block after block to deny the Black Cats, showed a bit more composure in possession than he has done in City colours and picked up a second Bristol City goal. A good day at the office.
Rob Dickie – 8
Looked back to his best after the weekend’s trip to Portsmouth. Produced one or two big interceptions and tackles in the opening 45 minutes and looks much more comfortable on the ball than he did against John Mousinho’s outfit.
Zak Vyner – 7
Once again deployed at right-back and against a tricky opponent, he did what he had to do and managed to have a slightly greater impact going forward.
Jason Knight – 8
After a difficult personal afternoon on the South Coast, the Robins skipper was back to his best in the North East. Repeatedly won the ball back out of possession and played a couple of important passes with the ball at his feet.
Marcus McGuane – 7
Battled away as he always does in the middle of the park and produced some important challenges out of possession. Not his best performance but another important showing nevertheless.
Anis Mehmeti (off for Haydon Roberts, 82′) – 6
The Albanian international didn’t see an awful lot of the ball, but he did carry a threat as usual down both wings. If he can find a way to just be that bit more instinctive in the final third, he has the potential to explode this term.
Max Bird (off for George Earthy, 46′) – 5
A quiet afternoon for the attacking midfielder. He struggled to influence proceedings before being replaced by George Earthy at half-time. Not his best day at the office.
Yu Hirakawa (off for Sam Bell, 46′) – 6
While he carried his usual threat going forward, the winger was perhaps fortunate to not give away a penalty with a clumsy piece of defending in the first half.
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Sinclair Armstrong (off for Nahki Wells, 60′)- 5
Had to wait to get involved but carried a constant threat with his pace in behind. Manning challenged him and Fally Mayulu to take their chances when they came and this feels like another one that Armstrong just wasn’t quite able to grab ahold of.
Substitutes
George Earthy – 7
Had a really positive impact in the number 10 position off of the bench.
Sam Bell – 6
Added a real attacking threat down the right flank in the second half that cannot be undervalued. Could have maybe done more in the lead-up to the goal.
Nahki Wells – 6
Added a presence up top that was much needed and helped see things out at the end.