Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 8

There was nothing our Belgian 'keeper could do about either goal conceded, and if it hadn't been for him the scoreline could have been much worse. He made a pair of superb stops in the second half to deny Jermaine Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor. He just gets better and better.

Craig Gardner - 6

Gardner did reasonably well in keeping Gareth Bale as quiet as possible but did look a little limited and lost today. He's still learning the position though we must remember and he'll come out stronger. A few good moments, including a great run in the second half, but generally looked a bit leggy.

Matt Kilgallon - 5

It was always going to be a gamble playing Kilgallon at left-back and it didn't really pay off. He was consistently skinned by Aaron Lennon this afternoon and never really looked comfortable in the position. Not his fault at all, he was played out of position, but equally he just wasn't up to task.

John O'Shea - 7

A good solid performance from O'Shea today, and that's goal aside too. He made a number of crucial interceptions and generally was one of the few at the back who didn't look lost for extended periods. A good game, and he'll be missed if this hamstring problem is serious.

Carlos Cuellar - 5

Scored the own goal which brought Tottenham back into the game and generally didn't look to be at his best from then on. A clumsy foul saw him booked and he squandered a chance to keep the pressure on near the end. We know he can do better than this.

Adam Johnson - 4

This man frustrates me so much. Today was an absolute abortion of a performance from Johnson who not only provided incredibly poor delivery, and notably at key times in the game. Way, way off his best today. That's what makes him a frustrating watch. We know he's capable of much better but there's just no middle ground with him.

James McClean - 7

Impressed with McClean today. Yet again he worked his balls off for the cause and delivered a few decent balls into the box. Quite surprisingly in a second half reshuffle he looked rather good in central midfield too. This is the second time in a row. He can feel quite good about his performance today.

Jack Colback - 8

A cracking game again from Colback who hustled and harried all day in central midfield as if Lee Cattermole himself was on the pitch. Used the ball effectively and never allowed any of the visitors more dangerous players to settle and have time on the ball. Shame hw as sacrificed later to left-back, but something had to be done.

Seb Larsson - 7

Coped well in central midfield and his crossing and freekicks were generally spot on. Lots of effort, lots of tackling and starting to grow into a central midfield berth. Today was one of his better performances.

Stephane Sessegnon - 5

After a few good games on the bounce it was inevitable that Sessegnon was going to have a bit of a down game. He wasn't at his best, he squandered chances and generally seemed to give the ball away more than do anything with it. Surprised that late on and chasing the game he didn't get the hook as he was more hindrance than help.

Steven Fletcher - 6

Fletcher did well foraging a lone path up front. Never an easy task, and wasn't blessed with an abundance of help either. Played a crucial role in O'Shea scoring the breakthrough goal but ultimately that was the only time he came close to scoring.

Fraizer Campbell - 5

I can understand the logic in bringing him on but he failed to add much towards getting an equalising goal.

Titus Bramble - 5

Wasn't too troubled at the back when he came on in place of John O'Shea but he did look to be back to his clumsy self whenever he made a challenge.

Connor Wickham - 5

Can barely remember him touching the ball to be honest. Had a shot blocked late on if I recall but that was about it during his ten minute cameo.

Man Of The Match: Jack Colback

Really stepped himself up a gear today and looked like a very accomplished Premier League midfielder. He did the Cattermole job really, really well today. Especailly given he was up against Dembele and Sandro who are much bigger and more physical than he. Shouts go to Simon Mignolet too for a pair of superb stops and James McClean who worked himself into the ground.

There'll be more reaction right HERE in our Match Stream as we continue to break down today's performance.