West Ham Vs Sunderland: (Retrospective) Player Ratings

Vito Mannone - 7

Didn't have a great deal to do against a pretty tame West Ham side, but looked commanding and came out for crosses well. Continues to prove the summer doubters wrong, including myself.

Ondrej Celustka - 5

Back in the days of Di Canio, Celustka looked like one of our better players, but his defensive frailties have been seriously exposed in recent week. Did okay against West Ham, but certainly doesn't look like the signing we'd though he'd be.

John O'Shea - 7

O'Shea has, for me, been unfairly targeted as a scapegoat for the poor start. While he certainly lacks pace, and looked very shaky earlier on in the season, he's been solid since the return of Wes Brown alongside him. Dealt with West Ham's admittedly limited attacking talent well.

Wes Brown - 7

Wes was his usual excellent self. Only gets knocked down a mark because I don't think any centre half deserves higher than a 7 for keeping out such a hopeless West Ham frontline.

Phil Bardsley - 8

Much improved performance from Bardsley after a poor couple of games. Solid in defence, and got into some great attacking positions. Only the woodwork stopped his excellent effort from going in.

Lee Cattermole - 8

He may let you down with the odd red card, but when he's available, Lee Cattermole has to play. Was very good in possession playing in that deeper role, with his under-rated passing skills coming into the forefront, and constantly harried a West Ham midfield that had the on-form Diame in it.

Seb Larsson - 5

Still carries a set-piece threat, but as is often the case, he was a pedestrian in the middle of the part. The weak link in a constantly improving midfield.

Ki-Sung Yeung - 8

Was the man most likely to create a goal on Saturday. More on him below.

Emanuele Giaccherini - 7

He absolutely has to play every week. Clearly a class above the rest of the team (except Ki), Giaccherini was always looking to get a shot in on goal or find the killer pass. Didn't quite come off for him on the day, but was still a constant attacking threat.

Fabio Borini - 5

Spurned a great opportunity after pouncing on a routine James Collins mistake, and didn't get involved enough in the game after.

Jozy Altidore - 4

Many who were hoping that his goal and excellent performance against Chelsea would kick start his Sunderland career will be sorely let down by this performance. Despite that goal he looks as lacking in confidence in the final third as he's ever done, exemplified by his wasting perhaps the best chance of the game when through on goal.

Adam Johnson - 4

Didn't do a thing. Again.

Steve Fletcher - 5

Tried to get involved in the game, but still doesn't look quite right. It's worth keeping in mind however, that he has just returned from an long lay-off, and that he didn't have much of a pre-season, so it's not surprising he's looked off the pace.

Andrea Dossena - 5

Came on late for an injured Bardsley and didn't have time to do anything. Which depending what you position on Andrea Dossena is, might be a blessing.

Man of the Match: Ki Sung-Yeung

Given a chance in a more advanced role with Cattermole coming in, Ki relished his new role, and was involved in the game throughout. Looked full of purpose on the ball, always looked to create an opportunity, and forced Jaaskelainen into a very good save in the second half after a lovely side-step to get away from his man. Build this team around him and Giaccherini please.