Stoke City 1-1 Sunderland: Player Ratings

Costel Pantilimon – 7

Nothing he could do with the Stoke goal and made a vital save to deny Diouf when Sunderland were dominating.

Patrick Van Aanholt – 7

Worked the line well all day, getting forward as much as he really could and was solid at the back. Created a good opening for Gomez early in the second half.

Billy Jones – 6

Much the same as Van Aanholt, he worked hard all game but had to work harder in the second half as Gomez was pushed out ahead of him. He had a great chance saved when he probably should have scored.

John O'Shea – 6

O’Shea did ok and took a boot in the face at the end of the first half. Although he looked a bit nervous and uncomfortable in the second half.

Seb Coates – 6

Did really well considering how little first team action he’s had. Stoke pumped long balls and crosses into the box which Coates and O’Shea dealt with.

Lee Cattermole – 7

The anchor in midfield and generally commanded the midfield well apart from a ten minute spell in the first half when the midfield disappeared. Set up Defoe and Wickham for golden chances in both halves.

Jack Rodwell – 5

Looked anonymous in the first half but got into the game more in the second half. Not much to report, he somehow got playing the full ninety.

Jordi Gomez – 5

The midfield didn’t have much creativity to begin with, but the inclusion of Gomez was surely to provide that which he unfortunately didn’t. Slowed down to many attacks and lost possession. Terrible corners too!

Connor Wickham – 7

Worked hard all day and showed good determination to get the goal, however he squandered a golden chance in the second half.

Will Buckley – 6

Provided the cross for the early goal but even that should’ve been gathered by Begovic. He didn’t really do much and was brought off at halftime.

Jermain Defoe– 5

Not the best game from Defoe. He had a great chance to double the lead right before Stoke equalised but he hit the side netting. He was too isolated a lot of the time.

Danny Graham (sub) -6

Another good shift from Graham and he generally put himself about. He pressed hard and won a few headers but he didn’t get a lot of service.

Man Of The Match – Connor Wickham/Costel Pantilimon

Both made crucial contributions in getting a point today. Wickham got the goal and Pantilimon made a couple of great saves at vital times.