Sunderland Vs West Ham United: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 7

Mignolet had nothing to do for the vast majority of the game. In fact for spells you'd have been forgiven for forgetting he was even on the pitch. Not that he'll have minded. When called upon later in the game though Mignolet was big and strong to deny the rare chances West Ham created.

Craig Gardner - 7

Gardner got in a couple of scraps down the left hand side with Matt Jarvis but he managed to keep him under wraps for the majority of the day. We didn't see much of him going forward, but defensively he gets a passing grade.

Titus Bramble - 8

Carlton Cole didn't provide a great deal of threat but any which he did cause Bramble was equal to. A great performance. Certainly it's one he was one of his better games this season, and looked much better than Carlos Cuellar has in recent weeks. Easily enough to warrant a start next week too.

John O'Shea - 7

A surprise inclusion after he was supposedly going to miss weeks of action with injury, but he came in and in the main did his job well.

Jack Colback - 8

I felt Colback had a quiet first half but was let off the leash somewhat in the second as West Ham offered absolutely no threat down his side of the pitch. Unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet when he powered one off the post. A good game though, showed it's possible for us not to miss a beat without Danny Rose.

Adam Johnson - 7

More like the Johnson we want to see on a regular basis, and fingers crossed he can keep this up for a while. His crossing was excellent and consistently so for a change, and generally all afternoon young Daniel Potts just couldn't keep up with him. Goal will give him a boost too.

Seb Larsson - 8

Outstanding game today by Larsson. The goal which set us on our way was nothing short of superb. Absolutely top draw. Away from that though he was equally impressive. Passed the ball about nicely and caused problems for their defence. Certainly stepped his came up in central midfield today, perhaps feeling the heat of Alfred N'Diaye.

David Vaughan - 9

Vaughan was majestic. A continuation of his exceptional form shown at Bolton last weekend and he was just brilliant throughout. He moved the ball quickly and effectively and also wasn't afraid to stick his foot in. As we said in our match report, today was always going to be a physical encounter, and it shows the level of performance when Vaughan - one of the smallest players on the pitch - rose above everyone.

James McClean - 8

Another very good game for McClean, even if at times he was afforded far too much space. He took advantage of it. Crossing was of a decent standard and had plenty of efforts on goal. Deserved his goal for persistence down the left.

Stephane Sessegnon - 8

It's unlikely that it will show up that Sess got any assists today (perhaps just McClean's goal) but he was at the heart of things for us. It's nice when he puts in this sort of performance, just wish he'd do it more often. Focusing purely on today though he was fantastic.

Steven Fletcher - 7

Unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet as he had plenty of chances. We expected him to be partnered with Connor Wickham but he managed to cause plenty problems for West Ham's defence all on his own. Hopefully the knock he seemed to pick up isn't anything serious.

Connor Wickham - 5

Came on in relief of Steven Fletcher but didn't find himself too involved in the action.

Alfred N'Diaye - 6

As good a debut as you could get really for someone on the pitch for a few minutes only. Nearly got himself a goal and showed he can time his tackles well. Potential.

James McFadden - 5

On for a few minutes only and the only remarkable thing is he's had a shave and is incredibly white.

Man Of The Match - David Vaughan

Today was all about the team performance. That has to be said right off the bat but if you were to pick out one star performer as we are right now, it would have to be Vaughan. He completely ran the show in central midfield and showed that he has a lot to offer for the second game in a row.

O'Neill will be very, very tempted to give Alfred N'Diaye playing time but he'll have to dislodge Vaughan first because he's playing at a very high standard, and is worth keeping around amid speculation Crystal Palace are interested in acquiring his services.

Titus Bramble, Seb Larsson and Stephane Sessegnon all have decent shouts for today's award too.

There'll be more match reaction and stuff over the coming days right HERE in our Match Stream.