Ross Stewart marked his return with a goal after three months out through injury. The Scotland international came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the season and put Sunderland ahead against Hull City at the MKM Stadium with 15 minutes remaining.
By that point, Sunderland had already had a lucky escape when Hull's Oscar Estupinan had missed the target from the penalty spot just after half-time, and the Black Cats were also down to ten men after Elliot Embleton was shown a straight red card on the hour. But Sunderland could not hold on to collect all three points, with Hull sub Ozan Tufan heading his side level eight minutes from the end.
Aside from the return of Stewart, Sunderland saw defender Dan Ballard make his comeback when he came on inside the opening quarter-hour to replace the injured Danny Batth. But there was also what looked like a serious injury for Embleton, who was stretchered off following the incident that led to his red card.
READ MORE: Sunderland talisman Ross Stewart returns with a goal as ten-man Black Cats earn 1-1 draw at Hull
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 5
Looked a bit hesitant at time. Not his usual assured self
Lynden Gooch 6
Did OK at right-back and got forward when he could
Luke O'Nien 6
Solid enough in central defence
Danny Batth 6
Went off injured inside the opening quarter-hour, which was a blow
Aji Alese 6
Given a tough examination in the left-back role, but generally stood up to it pretty well
Dan Neil 6
Worked hard in the middle of the park
Corry Evans 7
His experience and know-how was vital, especially when Sunderland were a man down
Amad 6
A few flashes of skill, but not at his best
Elliot Embleton 6
Was playing well until he picked up that red card and, more worryingly, what looked like a serious injury
Jack Clarke 6
Caused Hull problems when Sunderland got the ball to him wide on the left
Ellis Simms 5
Toiled away up front for little reward
Subs
Dan Ballard 7
For Batth 14mins. Impressive given how long he has been out, although he did give away the penalty
Dennis Cirkin 6
For Alese 60mins. Did OK
Ross Stewart 7
For Simms 60mins. Back in action and back on the scoresheet. How Sunderland have missed him
Patrick Roberts 7
For Clarke 60mins. Produced the assist for Stewart's goal
Abdoullah Ba N/A
For Amad 86mins.
Not used: Bass, Bennette
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