Dennis Cirkin starred for Sunderland today

Sunderland lastly received again to profitable methods this afternoon as they battled again to safe victory in opposition to Wigan Athletic within the Championship.

Regardless of falling behind simply earlier than the half-time whistle, a superb defensive efficiency and two objectives after interval helped the Black Cats to show issues round. It marks their first win since mid-September and ends a four-game winless run.

While Elliot Embleton could earn the plaudits for his equalising goal getting them again on monitor, it was Dennis Cirkin who was maybe the standout performer for his efforts at each ends of the pitch.

Recalled as Tony Mowbray reverted to a 3-4-3 setup, the teen began on the left of the three central defenders regardless of being a pure full-back.

He confirmed his attacking traits all through this sport, getting the assist for Embleton’s aim and later scoring the winner. His exploits earned him the perfect SofaScore ranking of anybody on the pitch with 8.5 and reveals simply how a lot better than the participant he arrange for the equaliser, who managed a 7.2 ranking.

Kevin Phillips forewarned the league of his qualities when talking to Football Insider, saying: “Cirkin has are available and settled so properly. He’s younger, has an amazing left foot and bombs ahead. You’ll be able to see that he’s not afraid to get crosses in and have a shot as properly. Defensively, which is essential for me, he’s superb as properly.”

Was Cirkin your MOTM immediately?

The 20-year-old’s desperation to be concerned is printed in his 70 touches this afternoon, with an 80% go accuracy and one key go performed.

Defensively, Cirkin was merely excellent in opposition to Wigan. He gained all of his 5 floor duels and likewise got here out on prime in an additional three aerial duels.

This excellence was mirrored in his two clearances, two interceptions and one deal with. It marks the proper all-round show from the defender, who managed to encourage Sunderland’s victory from centre-back

This end result has seen the Black Cats surge to inside two factors of the play-off spots and can go away Mowbray delighted that his aspect has returned to profitable kind.

It was a sport through which they dominated, boasting 60% of the ball, and after falling behind, they have been fortunate to have a participant like Cirkin to dig them out of that first-half gap.