Sunderland Vs Newcastle United: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 6

Mignolet didn't really have a great deal to do all afternoon. It was a decent enough stop to deny Shola Ameobi before Yohan Cabaye slotted home the rebound. Equally so he got a good foot on Demba Ba's late effort which would have given the visitors an unassailable lead. Away from that however I'd be surprised if he broke sweat.

Craig Gardner - 7

Gardner had another good game as he begins to feel the heat of a returning Phil Bardsley. Gardner had a good game though, looking once again solid defensively, and a threat going forward - a number of his 'trademark' long range strikes were actually close to hitting the target. Whisper it, but he did alright in midfield too late in the second half.

Danny Rose - 8

A great game by Rose. slightly at fault for The Mags opening goal of the game with a misplaced pass to James McClean, but the Irishman was equally culpable for his slip. Away from that it was a magnificent performance from Rose who was a constant menace going forward and very comfortable defensively. Great to see today.

John O'Shea - 6

Looked a little sloppy in choosing to stare at Yohan Cabaye rather than pick him up for the opening goal. Other that that he was alright. Most of the defence had little to worry about all afternoon though. Good on him for getting forward and playing a part in Demba Ba's own goal.

Carlos Cuellar - 6

Looked fit this week, which was a change from the last time out against Manchester City. Much like O'Shea though, he didn't really have much to do. What he did, he did well though you have to say. Unspectacular, but didn't need to be.

James McClean - 7

McClean's mark certainly didn't start off as a seven, but I did feel he got better as the game went on. For some reason especially so once Adam Johnson went off. Couldn't beat his man as often as we'd have liked to see, but it's a sign of improvement which will hopefully only get better.

Jack Colback - 6

Another disappointing game from Colback for my money. As much as I like him, he once again just couldn't assert himself in midfield, and the absence of Lee Cattermole was once gain very noticeable. Colback neither created nor really protected the defence all that well.

Seb Larsson - 6

Not sure what it was about Larsson today. Strangely his set pieces were abysmal, but form open play he put in a number of decent crosses. As for his all around play it is becoming more and more clear he isn't suited to the centre of midfield.

Adam Johnson - 6

Again we saw Johnson underperform. At least this week he had the excuse (of sorts) of being doubled up on for most of the game. He'll have to feel he could have done better in the first half with an effort he spent far too much time pondering over.

Stephane Sessegnon - 4

A horrible game for Sessegnon. After talking during the week of knowing all about this fixture and knowing what it felt like, making amends for his misdemeanor the Sports Direct Arena last year he simply didn't turn up today. Barely had a kick, and when he did it was often wasteful. He was lucky to have an hour under his belt today, he'd have had the hook much earlier if it had been down to me. There's probably a million reasons it isn't down to me however.

Steven Fletcher - 6

Worked hard but was rarely given any service. Not sure he even managed a shot on target in this one. I'm not going to blame him however, we could have done a lot more to get him involved however it just didn't happen for Fletch today. I guess he didn't feel like scoring, to reference the song in his honour.

Louis Saha - 6

Should have been on for Sessegnon a lot earlier than he was, even if only to give the Newcastle defence something to think about. Missed a glorious chance, but did all we could have expected of him. He'll be pushing for a start following this outing though.

David Vaughan - 7

When Vaughan came on I held my head in my hands. Why? Well I guess we've found another of those reasons as to why I'm not in charge of a Premier League football team as when Vaughan came on he did well. Certainly managed to move the ball around midfield much quicker than Colback or Larsson had managed all afternoon to that point.

Man Of The Match - Danny Rose

The only real standout performer today from our side. Sad as it is, if it had to go to anyone it would likely have been Fabricio Coloccini, but we're not really in the business of rating the other side, and especially not Mags. Anyway, Rose. He had a great game and looked fantastic going forward as well as defensively. It might be time to be picking up the phone to Tottenham about making this move permanent sooner rather than later.