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Vito Mannone - 7
Made the straight forward saves, didn’t have a lot to do really and nothing he could do with Rodallega’s shot that hit the post.
Santiago Vergini - 6
Never looked to troubled, but then we were playing a Championship side
Seb Coates - 6
He did his job well, much like his centre back partners, he hadn’t a great deal to contend with until the end but still he was solid.
John O’Shea - 7
O’Shea looked solid and never looked like getting beat today even when McCormack and Rodallega came on.
Billy Jones - 7
This was a better game from Billy. He got forward and drove to the by line a few times but he still lacks that extra bit of quality delivery.
Patrick Van Aanholt - 7
This was an improved defensive performance from Patrick, but much like Jones he needs to find that extra bit of quality consistently going forward.
Jack Rodwell - 4
Jack was playing well up until a moment of madness saw him dismissed. He got forward more and took a few shots but losing him probably cost Sunderland the win today.
Seb Larrson - 6
Nothing special from Seb, we need more quality with a final ball and especially from the midfielders as Defoe will expect balls played in behind, unfortunately Seb didn’t produce that today.
Liam Bridcutt-6
Liam did fine but not much quality going forward.
Steven Fletcher - 6
Steven had a couple of opportunities but he along with Defoe was starved of any really good quality deliveries to live off.
Jermain Defoe - 8
Jermain had no good service today and had to create most of his chances himself. He was unlucky not to score a couple but the signs are good that Defoe will score goals.
Connor Wickham – 7 (sub)
Connor came on and gave Sunderland a lift after the red card. He looked lively and had a shot tipped over.
Will Buckley – 5 (sub)
Will didn’t do a lot to change the game when he came on.
Man Of The Match: Jermain Defoe
He had hardly any good service today, yet he created a couple of great opportunities for himself. Signs are good from Defoe……….thankfully!!