Tottenham Hotspur Vs Sunderland: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone - 7

It's fair to say Mannone was the least well-received of Sunderland's new signings, but he put in a credible debut. Couldn't have done anything with Tottenham's deflected goal, and made a terrific save at point-blank range from Jermaine Defoe.

Jack Colback - 8

Colback was excellent at left-back today, indicating that his future may well be in this position. Looking stronger and quicker than he's ever done, he neutralised the threat of Aaron Lennon, with the pacy winger barely getting a look in. This is the kind of performance which reminds you why the club should do all they can to keep Colback and, if they do, it certainly eases the burden of signing a left-back in time for the new season.

Wes Brown - 8

Wes 'like a new signing' Brown put in an excellent performance, especially considering how long it's been since he played a proper game of football. Showing just how effective Di Canio's fitness regime has been, Brown slipped into the team like he'd never been gone. Excellent at centre half, he also went on some '2008 Champion's League Final-esque' bursts forwards and, of course, he scored the all important second goal.

John O'Shea - 7

Solid as usual from the skipper, who will no doubt be very pleased to be re-united with his former Man Utd teammate.

Craig Gardner - 6

A decent game. Got forward occasionally, and put in a couple of dangerous crosses, but the team is still in desperate need of a 'proper' right back.

Emanuele Giaccherini - 7

A bit of a quiet game from Giac, but he showed some lovely footwork and produced some excellent passes. The attacking quartet of him, Johnson, Sessegnon and Altidore looks like one that will really excite supporters.

Cabral - 9

Cabral was arguably the player fans knew the least about, and though it's still early days, his first performance suggests we have a player with real quality. Cabral controlled the middle of the park, pressing extremely well, and produced some wonderful passes. His equaliser was also very well taken for a player who isn't well known for his attacking play.

Seb Larsson - 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Fa4lOQfbA

Adam Johnson - 6

Johnson looked a big threat early on producing some of his mazy dribbles, but faded a little as the game went on, which is understandable considering the difficulties of the pitch. He's a player that could really do with a new attacking right back charging behind them.

Stephane Sessegnon - 8

There's been a lot of talk of Sessegnon leaving this summer, and he showed today just what a mistake it would be to let the little Benin man. Despite almost getting dragged into the marshland of the pitch for the rest of eternity, he was at the centre of everything going forward, and produced a wonderful assist for the third goal.

Jozy Altidore - 7

Altidore showed some terrific movement and skill throughout the game. The only negative you can take from his performance is that he had two or three chances he really should have scored from but, given his goalscoring record, you'd expect that to come, and his mobility is really what Sunderland need up top.

El-Hadji Ba - 6

Ba looked a threat further up the pitch when he came on, producing a good save from Brad Friedel. While we're still not sure what Ba's best position is, this performance gives some credence to French Football Weekley's claim that his future lies as an attacking midfielder.

David Moberg Karlsson - 7

Superb first game for the Swede after coming on. One half of 'The Swedish Set-Piece Contingent', Karlsson defied expectations by beating the first man from a corner, allowing Wes Brown to score. He followed this assist with an excellent finish for the third goal, and got a few opportunities to show off his pace.

Connor Wickham - 6

Came on and within seconds forced Friedel into a stunning save, coming within a whisker of scoring with a brilliant header. Hopefully he'll get more first-team action this campaign, as this is a crucial season for his development.

Valentin Roberge - 5

Came on late and didn't have time to show anything.

James McClean - 5

See Roberge.

Man Of The Match - Cabral

This was a difficult one considering how good a performance this was. However Cabral just about takes it above Brown and Sessegnon for a very good performance. He never gave the Spurs midfield a moments peace, handling Tom Huddlestone very well, and even pouncing on a mistake from the Sunderland target to score the equaliser. Another highlight was a superb pass to Sessegnon to start a break-away that almost resulted in a goal. And how nice is it to have a footballer we can refer to by just one name.

Join us for yet more reaction with Quick Kicks tomorrow morning. That will also be in our Match Stream, which you can find HERE.