Sunderland Vs Arsenal: Player Ratings

Keiren Westwood - 8

Westwood did superbly in the first half. Mignolet-esque you could almost say in keeping us in with a fighting chance of getting something from the game. Very pleasing performance after some criticism at Crystal Palace last time out. Not much he could do about any of the Arsenal goals.

Ondrej Celustka - 6

So-so, steady -- which is almost becoming the norm for him. Caught out a little for the opening goal, which is why he'll be marked down slightly. No better or worse really than his defensive colleagues.

Modibo Diakite - 6

For some reason he still gives me nerves when he's on the ball, or generally doing anything near it but he did ok today and none of my fears were really justified. Came close with a header off the bar in the first half, and was a constant threat on that front.

Valentin Roberge - 6

Seemed to have learned from the errors early in his Sunderland career and put in a reasonable performance. No more than that though really.

Jack Colback - 6

Same as pretty much the rest of the defence in that he was ok. Got forward the best of any of them and with new partner Mavrias seemed to gel quite well.

Adam Johnson - 8

I was surprised when he was named captain for the day in the absence of John O'Shea, but he did really quite well and for large spells was our most dangerous player. Really good performance I thought from Johnson, who was at the heart of all and any of our attacking play. The only sad thing is you know it won't be like this next week.

David Vaughan - 4

A par-for-the-course performance from Vaughan, which in short is "poor". A bewildering selection in the first place, that line of thought was justified as he generally plodded about admiring Mesut Ozil and on rare occasions with the ball just spinning around on it.

Ki Seung-Yong - 5

Perhaps there was too much expectation on him, but a lot of his passing was either side to side and alright, or misplaced when lengthy. At least on some occasions he played it forward though, which is an improvement on those he came in to replace. Will need a few more games before we see the best of him, and hopefully that's with a little more attacking intent.

Charis Mavrias - 6

Starting ahead of the injured Emanuele Giaccherini, the young Greek winger did ok. Not a great deal of trickery, but put in some decent crosses and supported Fletcher and Altidore well before being replaced by Borini. Looks a decent signing.

Steven Fletcher - 5

Clearly lacking in fitness still after his lengthy spell out and was on the periphery the entire game. Had the ball in the net in the second half but was clearly offside. Taken off at his own request later, hopefully the injury or complaint isn't a bad one.

Jozy Altidore - 5

More and more he reminds me of Kenwynne Jones on that for that 20 minutes a game when he can be arsed, he's unstoppable. Unfortunately the rest of the time he really just jogs about and tends to be offside. With a fit Fletcher, hopefully things pick up for him. Should  have had a goal but for a ridiculous refereeing decision.

Craig Gardner - 7

Instant impact from Gardner made a difference over the ineffectual Vaughan. Great penalty, and added a little more impetus to the game. Put himself in with a good shout of starting next time out, and the pick of our central midfielders today.

Fabio Borini - 5

Came on when we were getting desperate and didn't contribute a great deal. Played wide and looked a little lost I feel.

Connor Wickham - 5

Only on for a few minutes and didn't really get himself too involved with proceedings.

Man Of The Match: Keiren Westwood

Adam Johnson gives Westwood a very good run for this money here, but for me the Irishman just nicks it. For 20 minutes or so of the second half we were battering Arsenal, and looked well placed to take at least one, or possibly all three points. We'd have never have been in that position had it not been for a stellar first half from Westwood who denied at least three clear "goals" for the visitors.

We'll have even more to come in the forthcoming days. Until then, check out our match report and more HERE.