Sunderland player ratings as Jack Clarke and Dan Neil stand out in victory at Hull City
Jack Clarke scored the only goal of the game as Sunderland beat Hull City at the MKM Stadium
James Hunter was ChronicleLive's Sunderland AFC writer from 1999 until 2024, reporting on the Black Cats through 21 'permanent' managers, more than 1,150 games, three promotions, four relegations, three cup finals, and two play-off finals.
Sunderland beat play-off rivals Hull City to move into the top six, as new boss Michael Beale claimed his first win since taking charge. Beale lost his first game at the helm against Coventry City at the weekend, but at the MKM Stadium in his first away game he ended the Black Cats' six-game winless streak on the road.
Jack Clarke scored the only goal, with Sunderland's top scorer notching his 11th of the season as he fired home inside the final 10 minutes. And that win was enough to see the Wearsiders climb three places to sixth, where they displaced the Tigers on goal difference.
Sunderland now head to bottom-of-the-table Rotherham United on Friday evening looking to make it back-to-back away wins.
- READ MORE: Jack Clarke fires Sunderland into the top six as Michael Beale earns first win against Hull City
- READ MORE: Hull City 0-1 Sunderland - highlights and reaction as Black Cats climb into play-off spot
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 7
Few difficult saves to make, but dealt with what came his way to keep a clean sheet
Jenson Seelt 7
Came in at right-back and did well, keeping Twine largely under control
Luke O'Nien 7
A strong competitor at the heart of defence, he was alert to danger
Dan Ballard 7
Rock solid alongside O'Nien in central defence, he gave nothing away
Trai Hume 7
Up against a tricky customer in Delap and did a good job of keeping him quiet for most of the match
Dan Neil 8
An excellent game in midfield, his passing was crisp and incisive
Pierre Ekwah 7
Worked hard and won challenges in the middle of the park
Patrick Roberts 7
Caused Hull plenty of problems when he got on the ball but lacked end product, although he did bring one good save out of Ingram
Jobe Bellingham 6
No shortage of effort but could have offered more in the final third
Jack Clarke 8
A menace whenever he got on the ball and finally he found the finish that gave his side the points
Bradley Dack 6
Looked bright in his first start since early September, but picked up an injury and went off before half-time
Subs
Adil Aouchiche 6
For Dack 43mins. Lively going forward
Alex Pritchard 7
For Roberts 74mins. A bit of extra experience added into the mix late in the game
Nectar Triantis N/A
For Clarke 89mins.
Not used: Bishop, Pembele, Burstow, Mayenda, Rusyn, Ba