Bailey Wright continued his good run in the Sunderland line-up among a three-man backline as they drew 1-1 at Kenny Dougall’s Blackpool in the English Championship on New Year’s Day.
Wright put in a full shift in defence, receiving a 7/10 rating from the Evening Chronicle who wrote: “Produced some crucial challenges and interventions.”
Dougall was an 80th minute substitute for Blackpool, earning a 6/10 rating from Lancashire Live who wrote: “Replaced Patino in the closing stages of the encounter. Relatively solid in possession when on the ball.”
Harry Souttar put in a full shift as Stoke City went down 1-0 to Burnley, earning a 6/10 rating from the Stoke Sentinel who wrote: “Tried to dominate in the Burnley third and a magnet for defenders at corners at the other end. Might have been quicker to stop Cullen poking home.”
Callum Elder was a 90th minute substitute in Hull City’s 1-0 win at Birmingham City, while Dean Bouzanis was an unused sub as Reading drew 1-1 at Norwich City.
Late last week, Riley McGree scored a fine winner as Middlesbrough won 2-1 at Blackburn Rovers.
Ash Maynard-Brewer held his spot again in the Charlton Athletic lineup, helping them to a 3-1 win at Portsmouth in League One.
Denis Genreau missed Toulouse’s 2-0 win over Ajaccio in France’s Ligue 1 after undergoing groin surgery, with a probable return in February.
Alex Gersbach put in a full shift on the left side of midfield for Grenoble’s 1-0 home loss to Metz in Ligue 2.
Awer Mabil wasn’t in the Cadiz matchday squad for their 1-1 home draw with Almeria in Spain’s La Liga amid reports of a loan move elsewhere, although it seems a proposed switch to Sparta Prague has fallen through.
Last week, Aaron Mooy scored a double for Celtic in their 4-0 win at Hibernian, including converting a 58th minute penalty in the Scottish Premiership.
The Celtic Way rated Mooy 8/10 and wrote: “Ange Postecoglou’s compatriot rightfully kept the starting jersey in midfield after a fine outing in the 4-1 destruction of the Perth men on Christmas Eve.
“He rewarded his manager by confidently volleying Celtic ahead in 27 minutes after the ball broke kindly to him in the box. It was the Aussie’s first career goal for the Hoops and just like buses he confidently stroked home a second from the penalty spot after the break.”
Mark Birighitti kept a clean sheet as Dundee United won 3-0 over Ross County with Aziz Behich absent due to illness. Turkish outlet Sabah Spor has linked Behich with a move to Galatasaray.
Cammy Devlin got an assist as Hearts won 3-2 at St Johnstone, setting up his side’s third goal for Barrie McKay. Kye Rowles put in a full shift along with Devlin, while Nat Atkinson was absent.
Keanu Baccus put in a full shift for St Mirren in a 1-1 draw at Livingston, with Ryan Strain starting and playing 80 minutes.
Unused subs
Nicholas Bilokapic (Huddersfield), Jack Iredale (Bolton)
