Sunderland Vs Norwich City: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone - 8

His best game yet for Sunderland. More on him at the bottom.

Ondrej Celustka - 4

Probably his worst game since his summer arrival. Got into some good attacking positions, but his crossing was poor and left acres of space in behind time and time again. Gets an extra mark for that picture of him eating his tea in the bath.

John O'Shea - 8

O'Shea was excellent at the back despite picking up a slight knock in the second half. Made a number of interceptions, and actually looked decent in possession at times.

Wes Brown - 4

What can you say here. Was was having another fine game, cutting out everything that came into the box, but made a colossally stupid decision in the closing minutes. Van Wolfswinkle was going nowhere when Brown clattered into the back of him, a challenge born out of frustration, leading to questions once again about this teams temperament. Will now miss the club's crucial Christmas period, and he will be a huge miss indeed.

Phil Bardsley - 7

Bardsley worked very hard again today, got into some great positions, but his shooting was wild, seeing countless efforts from distance go sailing over the bar. Also should have done better with his second half header, but otherwise played well.

Lee Cattermole - 6

After a storming performance in mid-week, Cattermole didn't quite reach the same heights. Was a little more wasteful in possession than he has been recently, but still put in a shift.

Ki Sung-Yeung - 7

Didn't have the same influence as he has in recent games, but Ki still looked the most likely to create a goalscoring chance. By a country mile our best player at the moment.

Seb Larsson - 5

He shouts. He points. He shouts and points and shouts. Shouts, shouts, shouts. Points, points, points. The Sebastian Larsson shoooooooow.

Emanuele Giaccherini - 5

Nothing came off for Giaccherini today, but still not sure he was the right man to be substituted. Always capable of producing a moment of magic.

Fabio Borini - 7

Borini looked very good today. Beat his man several times and got a few dangerous crosses in. Perhaps could've done better on a couple of occasions in front of goal, but starting to look like a decent loan signing.

Jozy Altidore - 5

Again, no one can question his work rate, but he has absolutely no confidence in front of goal. On a number of occasion he spurned a chance to shoot. Touch also let him down at times.

Adam Johnson - 4

Completely ineffectual.

Steven Fletcher - 5

#headsgone

Valentin Roberge - 5

Came on to shore things up after Brown's sending off.

Man Of The Match: Vito Mannone

I was one of a number of Sunderland fans who wasn't convinced by Mannone's signing, but he's been completely solid since taking the number one jersey from Kieren Westwood. His commanding of his box has been great all season, and Sunderland would surely have gone down to defeat if it wasn't for the Italian. Made two or three top quality saves.

More match reaction to come you crazy cats, so get yourself bookmarking our match stream HERE and don't miss anything!