Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland 1-0 Spurs – Mukiele Fires Black Cats Into Top Half

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images) | CameraSport via Getty Images

Robin Roefs**: 7/10**

Made a hugely important save on the stroke of half time and then tipped over a driven Porro shot near the end but was a spectator for most of the game with his defence shielding him superbly, did get lucky with a spilled catch that ended on the roof of the net late on.

Nordi Mukiele**:** 8/10

Returned to the starting line-up after injury and immediately showed how much we’ve missed him. So strong and reliable defensively but a threat at the other end too with his constant overlapping runs. Got himself a deserved goal after he cut inside and saw his deflected effort fly in.

Luke O’Nien: 8/10

Got a little lucky when he needlessly slid in for the overturned penalty decision, as Alderete was already dealing with the striker but had a very solid game at the back, did great to win a goal kick after he needed to make an important tackle close to goal.

Omar Alderete: 8/10

Won everything at the back all game, both in the air and on the ground. Showed his skill often too, to skip away from potential threats.

Reinildo: 8/10

Had his side of the pitch sewn up all game, with nothing coming from the visitors down the left. Won some crafty free kicks at important times too.

Granit Xhaka (C): 7/10

Protected the back four well and was tidy in possession. Put in some dangerous set pieces today, testing the goalkeeper early on from a corner and setting up a great chance for Mukiele with a deep free kick.

Noah Sadiki: 7/10

Patrolled alongside Xhaka for a lot of the game, not giving Spurs an inch but then caused them problems by flying up the left wing. Probably should have had an assist with great play late on but no-one got on the end of his dangerous cross.

Habib Diarra: 7/10

Had a good game playing just off Brobbey, had a couple of good attempts on goal with the first being saved in the first half and then firing over after cutting in from the left in the second. Led the press well and was good at finding space between the midfield and attack, almost played Brobbey in during the second half but really should have gone left to the waiting Le Fee.

Chris Rigg: 6/10

Worked really hard off the ball to give Mukiele some help but not hugely impactful on the ball, his best moment coming just before going off when he had a shot from the ’D’ blocked.

Enzo Le Fee: 7/10

Was really good on the ball for most of the game, although did have a couple of sloppy passes during injury time. Did brilliantly after the break to find himself with a great chance to shoot but elected to pass instead, then found himself in acres of space, only for Diarra to pass to Brobbey instead.

Brian Brobbey: 7/10

Another great effort up top, held off the Spurs defence constantly and brought his teammates into play. Had a good chance from a Le Fee cross but could only head comfortably over.

Substitutes

Trai Hume**: 6/10**

Gave away a dangerous free kick shortly after coming on but was very quick to close down any potential threat from Spurs.

Chemsdine Talbi: 6/10

Probably should have bust a gut to get on the end of Sadiki’s ball across the six yard box but helped us keep possession after coming on.

Wilson Isidor: N/A

A very late change as we saw out the game.

Man of the Match: Nordi Mukiele

The entire back four were dominant today but Nordi gets my man of the match after combining his defensive contributions with an attacking threat. Scored the winner after he cut inside, surged forward and although he was lucky the shot deflected in, it was still great intent to get himself into that position. Probably should have had another too but couldn’t direct a free header goalwards from a deep Xhaka free kick.