Sunderland and Fulham will do battle again in an FA Cup fourth round replay after the sides fought out a 1-1 draw in South West London. The Black Cats took the lead early at Craven Cottage through Jack Clarke, but his goal was cancelled out by Tom Cairney on the hour.
There were multiple chances for both sides to win it, with Patrick Roberts, Amad, and Abdoullah Ba, all going close for Sunderland. At the other end, Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson, and Willian, all had opportunities.
But Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson made a string of excellent saves, as did his opposite number Marek Rodak, which meant the sides could not be split on the day. Away from the result and the performance, the big concern for Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is the injury suffered by star striker Ross Stewart which saw the Scotland international depart on a stretcher midway through the first half - with potentially huge ramifications for the club's play-off hopes.
READ MORE: Sunderland earn an FA Cup replay against Fulham but Ross Stewart injury casts a shadow over the tie
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 9
Produced a series of outstanding stops to keep his side in the tie
Trai Hume 7
Had his hands full against Solomon but stuck to his task
Daniel Ballard 8
Excellent alongside Batth in central defence and made one unbelievable goalline block from Pereira
Danny Batth 7
Wore the captain's armband in Evans' absence, and led by example
Aji Alese 7
Was not expected to start having not trained all week but did his best against Wilson, although he went off at half-time
Dan Neil 8
Never stopped in the middle of the park from first minute until last
Edouard Michut 8
Excellent in midfield and was at the heart of numerous attacking moves
Patrick Roberts 7
Caused problems whenever he ran at the Fulham defence, had chances to score but just could not find a finish
Amad 7
A bundle of tricks and had several chances which on another day he would have made count
Jack Clarke 7
Scored the early goal that put Sunderland on the front foot, and always offered a threat
Ross Stewart 7
His injury was a massive blow and, depending on its severity, it may mean Sunderland need to sign another striker
Subs
Abdoullah Ba 7
For Stewart 20mins. Did well when he came on, and had a good chance to score in the second half
Niall Huggins 7
For Alese 46mins. Did OK considering this was his first outing since November
Pierre Ekwah N/A
For Michut 77mins.
Jewison Bennette N/A
For Clarke 77mins.
Chris Rigg N/A
For Roberts 86mins.
Not used: Bass, Kelly, Johnson, Watson
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- Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray on the 'strange' implementation of VAR in the FA Cup
- Sunderland's Patrick Roberts looks ahead to his return to Fulham in the FA Cup this weekend
- Sunderland confirm Joe Gelhardt loan deal as they see off late competition to land Leeds United man
- Sunderland allow young defender to join National League North Darlington on loan
- Sunderland weighing up contract extension for injured skipper Corry Evans
