Oxford vs Sunderland half-time ratings: How Black Cats have fared so far

Sunderland went into the break on level terms with Oxford after a fairly drab first half.

Sunderland almost had the perfect start when Bailey Wright headed Chris Maguire’s free-kick on to the bar.

But Oxford gave the visitors a scare when Matty Taylor’s header caught Lee Burge in no-man’s land, but looped just past the post.

Aiden O’Brien headed over, but Oxford could have taken the lead just before the break when Atkinson squared for Long but his low shot was well saved by Burge low to his right.

So how have the Sunderland players rated so far? Here are James Hunter’s ratings.

You can follow the second half live right here, plus get all the latest analysis and reaction as it happens.

LEE BURGE 6

Hesitant in the early stages and was lucky Taylor did not punish him. Made one good save from Long though

JORDAN WILLIS 6

Stuck to his task against the troublesome Taylor

BAILEY WRIGHT 6

Came closest to opening the scoring when he headed against the bar inside the first five minutes

TOM FLANAGAN 6

Looked reasonably solid

LUKE O’NIEN 6

Did nothing wrong, but didn’t offer much going forward either

CHRIS MAGUIRE 6

Delivered the set-piece that led to Wright hitting the woodwork, but most of his other free-kicks did not work out

GRANT LEADBITTER 6

Steady in central midfield

MAX POWER 6

Made some important challenges but has to be careful after picking up a needless booking for dissent

DENVER HUME 6

His crosses have failed to find their mark

DANNY GRAHAM 5

Hasn’t received any service

AIDEN O’BRIEN 5

Struggled to make any impact