Wigan Athletic Vs Sunderland: Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet - 7

Could do little about Vaughan's early own goal, and was something of a bystander for most of the first half. Made a stunning reaction save from Maloney's low drive in the second half, which was crucial in that, had the Latics scored then, they'd have had plenty of time to seek an equaliser and, potentially, a winner.

Craig Gardner - 6

Decent enough. Allowed Beausejour too much room for the opening goal, and looked ineffectual when moved into midfield late on, but struck his penalty with a confidence that sparked the side's comeback into life.

Jack Colback - 6

A solid performance. Timed his tackles well and did what was asked of him; Wigan preferred to focus attacks through the centre or down the left, so he didn't feature hugely.

John O'Shea - 7

Gave a real showing of leadership today. Until creaks began towards the end, he marshalled his defence excellently, twice taking command when his goalkeeper was hesitant. The side looks a lot better, and less porous, with him in it.

Titus Bramble - 6

Often viewed as a limited footballer, yet rarely gave the ball away today. Sometimes struggled with the movement of Wigan's front three, but was by and large a solid presence.

Seb Larsson - 7

Whatever your thoughts on him, it cannot be denied that Larsson is one of the hardest working players in the squad; by today's end he was visibly knackered. His set-pieces were back on form today, producing two great opportunities for N'Diaye and O'Shea, as well as garnering a penalty after his effort on goal was handled.

Adam Johnson - 7

Sparkles of magic littered his performance. With N'Diaye as the anchor he was able to play higher up the field, winning numerous freekicks in dangerous areas. A moment in the second half when he was surrounded by players yet still jinked the ball out of trouble, and to a teammate, was a particular highlight.

Alfred N'Diaye - 8

Tired in the second half, but his opening forty-five minutes were nothing short of outstanding. Should have scored with a close-range header but, in the centre of midfield, he was a dominant presence, epitomised in his effortless shoulder tussle with James McCarthy that left the Wigan man sprawled on the floor. A highly impressive debut.

David Vaughan - 7

Recovered well from his disastrous start to drive the team's comeback. The seeds of a good partnership with N'Diaye seem to have been sewn, and the Welshman was excellent today. Looked very tired towards the end, mind.

Stephane Sessegnon - 5

One of those frustrating days for him. By no means poor, but larked the sparkle he is capable of and let himself down when he hesitated in front of goal and didn't manage to get a shot away that would have sealed the game. It seems paradoxical given that he is the fulcrum of the side, but Sessegnon was Sunderland's poorest player today. Perhaps giving him a lower rating than his teammates is a tad harsh, but his shyness in front of goal could have proven highly costly today.

Steven Fletcher - 8

Keeps coming up with the goods. Frequently dropped deep in central positions to help build attacks, he was helped by the advanced positions of Johnson and Sessegnon out wide. Took both his goals, especially the second, in stunningly clinical fashion.

James McClean - 6

On for fifteen minutes, and didn't make a huge impact. Was introduced for his defensive abilities and his good discipline, which to his credit, he lived up to.

Ahmed Elmohamady - 5

Made two passes, each finding his man, but little else. Much the same as McClean.

Phil Bardsley - 6

Only arrived for the five minutes of stoppage time and, again, did what was asked of him. Namely, hoofing the ball as far away from Simon Mignolet's goal as possible.

Man Of The Match: Steven Fletcher

Alfred N'Diaye put in an excellent performance on his full debut, but it is Fletcher who takes the plaudits this week. The Scotsman continues to silence those who questioned his signing in the summer, and his two goals today were of real quality. Added to that was his all-round play - without Sessegnon in his 'link man' role, Fletcher took it upon himself to drop deep and help out with building attacks, something he did excellently in the first half.

We'll have even more match reaction HERE in our Match Stream in the next few days.