Everton Vs Sunderland: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 7

In a game in which he conceded two goals, the Mig had very little to do, but when he was called into action he did very well. Opted to punch quite a lot, which seemed to work against the physicality of the Everton attack he was up against.

Craig Gardner - 6

Once again looked much better at right back than he did in central midfield last weekend. Coped reasonably well with Steven Pienaar, but ultimately there were a few sour points on his game - a booking which will keep him out of next weeks game with Fulham, and far too many misplaced passes.

John O'Shea - 6

I really don't know what's happened to O'Shea. Last season he was a colossus for us, but this year he seems to be off his game. Didn't react anywhere near quickly enough to Marouane Fellaini picking the ball up for the equaliser, and was megged for what turned out to be the winner.

Carlos Cuellar - 8

I thought Cuellar was magnificent today, and about time as he was getting close to owing us a performance. He found himself in the way of everything Everton could throw at us and even managed to grab himself a rare assist for Johnson's goal.

Danny Rose - 7

Rose showed to O'Neill that never again should he be left out of the side for "tactical reasons" again after last weeks debacle. Once again he was solid at the back, and provided an outlet going forward. Starting to look a very accomplished player.

Seb Larsson - 7

Another one who improved upon last week, Larsson was good today. He managed to keep things simple in the middle of the park, rarely wasting possession, getting his foot in when needed and kept things flowing for us. Only drifted out the game once David Vaughan was introduced and there were perhaps one too many cooks in there.

Jack Colback - 8

Earlier this week on the Podcast we got things all wrong in declaring there might not be room for Colback in the side. Today he was absolutely magnificent and really rose to the occasion of having to play without the protection of Lee Cattermole.

James McClean - 6

McClean provided plenty of energy, as he is prone to doing, but didn't provide too much by way of a goal threat. Spent most the game hugging the line which was a nice change rather than cutting inside, but overall he will feel he can do much better than today's outing.

Adam Johnson - 7

Johnson had easily his best game in red and white for us today, and hopefully it's the start of a turn around for him. Played much better than his dithering self last week, and provided lots of threat down the right hand side. Got himself on the scoresheet too with a very well taken strike just on half time.

Stephane Sessegnon - 8

Another who massively upped their game, and whisper it - maybe we're starting to see the return of Sessegnon old? He looked more up for this one than he has in weeks, and was superb linking up with Steven Fletcher. Should have had a goal.

Steven Fletcher - 6

Worked hard, as he always does, and was getting batted around all game by Johnny Heitinga. Saw one clear chance where you might have expected him to do a little better, but it was yet another grafting performance from the expensive striker. Hopefully he isn't too badly injured after going off early today.

Louis Saha - 5

There was once a phrase which filled my heart with anxiety - "coming on number nine, Fraizer Campbell!" - you just knew nothing at all was going to happen. The same seems to be happening with Saha. He's really starting to look his age, and you wonder what, if anything, he has left in the tank. No impact at all off the bench today. Again.

David Vaughan - 5

Added little to the game except to pick up a silly booking. Understandably brought on to quicken the play in midfield, but rarely saw the ball.

Connor Wickham - 5

Only on for about 3 minutes, but might have his uses - as a long throw specialist it seems. In all seriousness though it was good to see him on the pitch again, and you would hope, despite the less than minimal impact, he gets on more often in coming weeks.

Man Of The Match: Stephane Sessegnon

A tough call between him and the very hardworking Jack Colback, but for me Sessegnon edged it. He looked back to himself - reinvigorated and full of confidence. Some mazy dribbles nearly had us through on goal on several occasions, he seemed able to beat a man once again. All very promising for the next few weeks, but needs to pull on his shooting boots by then.