Sunderland maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship campaign - but their 2-2 draw against QPR at the Stadium of Light felt like a defeat. The Black Cats appeared to be on course for victory thanks to first-half goals from Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms, who continued where they left off last weekend when they were both on target at Bristol City.
But in the final five minutes, QPR came back from the dead. First Ilias Chair scored a stunning free-kick to give his side hope with three minutes of normal time remaining.
And then in the second minute of added time, goalkeeper Seny Dieng came forward for a corner and headed the set-piece home to complete the comeback and earn his side a point. Dieng still had work to do at the other end, making a good save from Stewart before Elliot Embleton's follow-up was deflected on the underside of the bar when it seemed he must score.
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Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players today.
Anthony Patterson 7
Nothing he could do about the free-kick, and made some good saves before that
Daniel Ballard 6
Caught late by Adomah and limped off inside the opening ten minutes
Danny Batth 6
Strong for the majority of the game
Dennis Cirkin 6
Another decent outing on the left side of the back three
Lynden Gooch 6
Did OK, although he gave away the free-kick for QPR's first goal
Corry Evans 7
Anchored the midfield
Dan Neil 6
Worked hard in the middle of the park
Jack Clarke 7
Always a threat when he came forward down the left
Alex Pritchard 8
Involved in the build-up for both Sunderland goals, and a danger throughout
Ellis Simms 7
Scored on his home debut to add to his brace at Bristol last weekend
Ross Stewart 7
Led the line brilliantly, scored for the second game in a row, and almost grabbed another in injury-time
Subs
Luke O'Nien 6
For Ballard 9mins. Slotted in well when he came on, although overplayed at the back at times
Patrick Roberts 6
For Ellis Simms 60mins. Had chances but was unable to find a finish
Elliot Embleton N/A
For Pritchard 88mins.
Bailey Wright N/A
For Neil 88mins.
Not used: Bass, Diamond, Alese
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