Fulham Vs Sunderland: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 8

A 3-1 win might suggest that a goalkeeper didn't have much to do, and that could be said of Mignolet today. However he was called upon to make some saves today and he made some absolutely superb stops. Proved himself again today as one of the best 'keepers in the league. Hopefully that's a secret we can keep to ourselves for a few more years yet.

Phil Bardsley - 6

Not much to be done for Bardsley today. Perhaps for the better that he didn't have a great deal to what with him recovering from injury only days before. Kacaniklic going off was a big help too.

John O'Shea - 6

O'Shea went about his business well today, and that's a good thing having had a rough few weeks. He didn't try anything stupid, didn't make any big mistakes and over all was relatively solid against a dangerous forward line.

Carlos Cuellar - 7

Much the same as O'Shea really for the most part. A potential screw-up to allow Duff to stay on side was quickly ruled out by him rising well to net his first goal in Sunderland colours. In the end it proved to be the winner, so we have to mark him up slightly.

Danny Rose - 7

Another decent game for Rose as he emerges as a very good Premier League level left-back. Attacked well, knew when to hold his position and not over commit to the attack and coped well with Damien Duff for the large part. Really hoping we can keep him at the club for the long-term.

Adam Johnson - 8

A really good performance from Johnson today. He seemed to be at the heart of everything we did positive, and deservedly helped himself to a couple of assists. It looks like it's starting to click for Johnson at last. Just needs to keep it up and not rest on his laurels.

Lee Cattermole - 7

Looked good for someone who's been kept away from training all week. A really good captain's performance. Did well to avoid injury after Brede Hangeland's lunge, with the only black mark on his performance a little bit of handbags with Dimitar Berbatov. Again though, did well to not react too much.

Jack Colback - 5

Not Jack's best game by any stretch. Didn't quite seem to be himself today, and gave the ball away cheaply at times. Plenty of running, plenty of heart, but it might be time to give him a rest. Martin O'Neill obviously has quite a lot of faith in him though.

Seb Larsson - 6

Moved back out to the right after a spell in the middle, but I think he actually has begun to look much better in the middle. Today he was in and out the game in a wide position. Was later replaced by James McClean.

Stephane Sessegnon - 7

Scored an absolute world class goal today, drifting inside superbly to fire beyond a helpless Mark Schwarzer. That aside though... really quite poor. His passing was abysmal, and rarely did he seem to choose the right option. That goal though. That's why you keep him in the game.

Steven Fletcher - 7

Worked hard today I thought and it was great to see him back on the scoresheet. A great goal it was too, with a fantastic first touch and an even better finish. Should provide him a good platform to build on.

James McClean - 6

Stayed on the right-hand side after coming on in relief of Seb Larsson, and found himself able to cut inside with ease. Some very poor efforts at goal, but a lot of hard work and provided a bit of energy that we were lacking prior to his introduction.

David Vaughan - 6

Barely did anything really and was only on for a few minutes after replacing the ineffectual Colback.

Man Of The Match - Simon Mignolet

Seems silly even writing it considering we won by two goals, but it wouldn't have been that had it not been for Mignolet today. A great performance. You barely saw him for large parts, but when you did he looked unbeatable. After games like this you get a little worried that our secret of him being one the most outstanding young 'keepers in the league will be kept for much longer. Great performance. He can be proud of it.