Sunderland Vs Reading: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 6

Had quite a quiet evening, with Reading really looking quite toothless in attack. A few stops were required, notably from a Shorey freekick but away from that he must have barely broke sweat. Always a good thing for a 'keeper.

Craig Gardner - 7

A better game than last week for Gardner, and once gain it was clear to everyone just how much of a better full back he is than Phil Bardsley. Looks like with the McBardo's injury picked up in the second half he could be there for a while, and I'm all for that.

John O'Shea - 8

Easily O'Shea's finest performance of the season so far, and much more like his 'old' self. Never looked like anything would get past him all evening. More of the same please!

Carlos Cuellar - 8

Just like O'Shea really in that he was superb all night and never looked for one second threatened or concerned with Reading's poor attack. He and O'Shea seem to have a good thing going, now they just need to build on it and keep this level up.

Danny Rose - 8

Yet another superb outing for Rose tonight before he eventually had to come off owing to an injury picked up earlier in the game. Usually Rose draws plaudits for his attacking ability whilst being competent at the back, but tonight he was absolutely solid at the back and proved decent going forward. An all round modern full back. An England call up can't be far off. Let's pray that injury isn't too bad.

Adam Johnson - 6

It was a relatively quiet half for Johnson, but he was starting to find his feet before he was scythed down and failed to shake off the leg injury sustained. Hopefully he'll be back fit for the weekend's trip to Old Trafford. Replaced at the interval by Phil Bardsley forcing a tactical reshuffle.

Jack Colback - 7

Another who picked their game up following a recent slump, Colback was all action in the middle of midfield and managed to fill the void at left back once Rose went off to a reasonable level, if rarely tested. Much like what we said of O'Shea, this was more like what we saw last season, and long may it continue.

Seb Larsson - 6

Didn't look lost in the middle of the park for the first time in a while, but didn't go missing either. A decent day out, but will surely be ousted once Cattermole returns in a few weeks time. Good for him to get over last weeks pathetic performance with a solid if very unspectacular one tonight.

James McClean - 8

Showed plenty of attacking intent, and got in plenty of good crosses all night. Really good performance and very much improved on recent weeks. Hopefully this is a big a turning point for his season as it is for our season in general.

Stephane Sessegnon - 8

Looked bright and up for it. Notably the best thing about his performance was that he actually played like a striker, and stuck close to Fletcher, supporting him throughout. A good performance, and got his reward for it with a late goal.

Steven Fletcher - 8

Great performance from Fletcher tonight as he lead the line like a seasoned pro. Just goes to show what can be done if we get him the support he deserves. Cracking finish for the second goal, and we're equally delighted that he came through the full game without any noticeable problems.

Phil Bardsley - 5

Came on at half time and was eventually subbed himself after half an hours play after picking up an injury. During his half hour of play though he was fairly anonymous, which for him is a good thing.

David Vaughan - 5

Came on and kept things ticking over nicely. Nothing really to write home about though if we're being truly honest. With the injuries picked up though there's every chance he'll get more game time over the busy Christmas period.

Titus Bramble - 5

On in relief of Bardsley for the final fifteen minutes. For some reason every kick was greeted with a cheer. Not sure if ironic, but more than likely. Looked alright.

Man Of The Match - Danny Rose

For the first time in a few weeks it's actually a tough call to decide who wins Man Of The Match as several players could put in a decent shout. Having been superb all season and continuing it through to tonight, the award goes to Danny Rose. A real pleasure to watch at the moment. Good to see several other players chip in with more than reasonable shouts too.