Aiden O’Brien’s and Max Power’s second half headers were enough for the Black Cats in a cagey encounter, where Sunderland had to work hard to ensure they took maximum points.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
1. Lee Burge
Barely called upon. Sunderland were troubled by a direct Fleetwood side in the first ten minutes but had complete control thereafter. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. Conor McLaughlin
Stepped out with the ball well when Sunderland switched to a back four in the second half and again handled his defensive work with little trouble. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Luke O'Nien
Defended well, particularly in a second half period where Fleetwood put Sunderland’s makeshift backline under a lot of pressure. Has one or two moments where he is caught out but is handling a difficult task admirably and won so many crucial headers. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
4. Dion Sanderson
Superb at the heart of the defence. Handled the moments where Sunderland were caught out well and having been forced to take a yellow to stop a counter in the first half, played with a maturity beyond his years. 8 Photo: FRANK REID 2019