Sunderland Vs West Ham United: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone - 7

Not at fault for either goals and made a terrific fingertip save from Downing to keep it at 2-0. Also came up for some corners, and that's always thrilling.

Santiago Vergini - 5

Was effectively played at right back in the first half, and did okay. Should have done better with Diame's goal, but was a lot better than he was against Liverpool, so that's a start.

John O'Shea - 5

Should have done better for Carroll's opener, and was eventually the man substituted to change formation in the second half. He's becoming increasingly unreliable at the back.

Wes Brown - 6

Pick of the center halves.

Phil Bardsley- 6

Put in a lot of effort and fight as usual  with little end product. Was fun to see him being played right-wing for a bit though. It's the kind of thing we'll laugh about in a couple of seasons. 'Remember when Phil Bardsley played right-wing' we'll say as we trudge to a 1-0 away defeat at Leyton Orient.

Marcos Alonso - 4

I Can't Believe It's Not Dossena

Liam Bridcutt - 4

I think there's a decent player in Bridcutt, but my god he wasn't great tonight. The problem is he's not the player who's going to do an awful lot higher up the pitch, which he was expected to do more often in the latter stages with Sunderland chasing the game. His crossing was poor, and he wasn't terrific in possession either. Will probably be one of the best players in the Championship next season.

Lee Cattermole - 6

Should have done a lot better with his one chance in the first half, but otherwise was a decent Cattermole performance, showing lots of effort. He cares, no-one can deny that.

Ki Sung-Yeung - 7

Let's enjoy him while we can, because we've only got a few games left to see him in a Sunderland shirt. Was terrific in possession again, and was a lot more proactive with the ball than he has been recently, such as his shot at Adrian which almost led to a goal.

Fabio Borini - 4

Tried to do everything himself today, and while we can't really blame him for that given what's around him, nothing came off for him. Kept running himself into dead ends, or shooting aimlessly off target.

Connor Wickham - 4

Was somehow no better, or any more effective, than Jozy Altidore has been. Should have done better with the one chance he did get after Adrian spilled Ki's chance, didn't exactly do wonders on the ball, and just seems to lack some of the mental attributes required to play at the top level. Keep him for The Championship though. We know he can score there.

Adam Johnson - 8

Play him from the start. Play. Him. From. The. Start. Always!

Craig Gardner - 7

One of two substitutions that came off for Poyet. Set up Johnson for the goal, and always looked to drive the team on.

Nacho Scocco - 5

Didn't do a lot after coming on, apart from a header which went over. The kind of player who will spoil 'Missing Men' quizzes in seven years time.

Man Of The Match: Adam Johnson

Adam Johnson did everything he could to get Sunderland a point in this game. His goal was terrifically taken, and it was he that set up Borini with a great pass not long afterwards. It's baffling that he doesn't start every game, and it's clear he's a lot better than everyone around him, and it's a real shame that we've never utilized him to his fullest. Will be a great signing for Stoke in the close season.

We'll have more reaction to tonight's match tomorrow. Check it out in our stream HERE.