Sunderland 0 - 1 Manchester City: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone - 7

Little for him to do and bar that slight mix up from a City free kick in the second half, he dealt with everything he had to do quite well. There wasn't anything he could do about the goal but his usual poor distribution can't be ignored.

Billy Jones - 4

His passing was awful and surprisingly went unpunished. Got into a good position to hit the post, in the first half and was unlucky with his effort from range in the second half. Not his best display overall though.

Lamine Kone - 7

An Encouraging debut and his flattening of Yaya Toure will certainly endear him to the supporters. If he converted his glorious chance to equalise it would have made a decent debut a spectacular one.

John O'Shea - 7

On a night of defensive solidity for Sunderland, this was a typical O'Shea performance. The Irish international guided Kone through his debut and was a good influence through the spine of the team.

Patrick Van Aanholt - 6

Got into some good attacking positions and looked his usual threat going forward. Another goal from our left hand side is a growing concern though.

Jan Kirchhoff - 8

Unbelievably calm and composed on the ball. With some excellent passing, it's great to see that the Spurs game hasn't got to him. Hopefully we'll see him get a run of games in this role; just in front of the back four but with a license to roam forward.

Lee Cattermole - 5

This game emphasised the need for Cattermole to have a couple of central midfielders alongside him. His tackling was slightly better but his passing was as sloppy again. Rightly substituted as we pushed for an equaliser.

Yann M'Vila - 6

A slight return to form after a dip in recent weeks. His passing was closer to what we've been accustomed to seeing and he broke up City's play well. Like Cattermole, he seemed to benefit from being in a midfield three rather than a two.

Jeremain Lens - 4

Offered very little tonight, unfortunately. Correct call from Allardyce to hook him at half time.

Fabio Borini - 5

As we've seen with Borini for most of this season, the graft was there but he didn't offer enough in the final third. I feel harsh for slating him when he works so hard for the team and i think that work rate could see him keep his place for the Liverpool game.

Jermain Defoe - 6

Like the Bournemouth game, he was starved of service in the first half. He stayed bright throughout though and fashioned an excellent chance for himself in the first half which produced an excellent save from Joe Hart.

Whabi Khazri - 6 (Sub)

Certainly looked bright when he came on but he drifted in and out of the game. Definitely worth starting against Liverpool in place of Lens though as he'll be able to impact the game differently. His corners looked very threatening as well.

Adam Johnson - 5 (Sub)

Seemed to be looking for the killer ball but it wasn't really happening for him. He looked threatening though and is always a good option from the bench when he isn't starting games.

Dame N'Doye - 4 (Sub)

Wasn't really on the pitch long enough to impact the game but he gave the ball away very cheaply when he had it. Benefit of the doubt though as he hasn't played in a while.

Man Of The Match - Jan Kirchhoff

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