Jobe Bellingham received rave reviews for his performance in Sunderland's dramatic Championship play-off semi-final victory over Coventry.
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- Bellingham branded Sunderland's "chief disruptor"
- Starred in Mackems' dramatic play-off win
- Beat Coventry with last-minute goal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham played in the heart of midfield for Regis Le Bris' side, who led 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg but went behind to Brandon Thomas-Asante's strike for Coventry in the second half. Thirty minutes of extra time followed and the game seemed set for extra time, before Dan Ballard headed home from a corner to send the Stadium of Light wild.
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HOW THE MEDIA RATED BELLINGHAM
The Northern Echo rated Bellingham's performance higher than any Sunderland midfielder or forward, giving him a 7/10 and writing: "Sunderland’s chief disruptor at the heart of midfield – covered a lot of ground as he shackled Coventry’s creators."
Chronicle Live also gave Bellingham a 7/10, stating: "Made the midfield his own for an hour or so, on a night where his physicality shone through. Needed a bit more conviction with his play in the final third but stood out in extra-time."
The Sunderland Echo were not as glowing of Bellingham's efforts, awarding him a 5/10 but writing that he "improved when Sunderland switched to 4-3-3 late on".
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HOW SOCIAL MEDIA REACTED TO BELLINGHAM'S PERFORMANCE
X users were full of praise for the midfielder, too, with @MainooMagic_ writing: "Jobe Bellingham deserves a move to a TOP CLUB this summer. CERTIFIED BALLER"
@PaSheikhnaS added: "Jobe Bellingham is a top top talent. He’s playing way beyond his years"
@noz_zyy said: "Need Jobe Bellingham in the Prem"
@connorru agreed, writing: "I don’t get the Jobe Bellingham hate. Every time I watch him he looks class"
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WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
Sunderland will need Bellingham at his best again to have the best possible chance of beating Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on May 24. The winner will be promoted to the Premier League.
