Sunderland 0-2 Manchester City: Player Ratings & MOTM poll - Vote!

Jordan Pickford - 7

Much more assured performance from Pickford after an arguably shaky return to the side at Everton. Made a number of crucial saves from David Silva and Sergio Aguero while launching attacks from his kick-outs. Nothing really he could do about either goal.

Billy Jones - 7

Offered a real attacking threat in the first half and seemingly dominated Man City's centre halves from set pieces. Was burned for pace by Leroy Sane as the German waltzed past en route to bagging the visitors' second goal.

Bryan Oviedo - 5

The warning signs were there from almost the first whistle when Oviedo misjudged the flight of a long ball and allowed Raheem Sterling in. Really struggled to contain the Englishman and will have been happy to see him replaced late on.

Lamine Kone - 6

Was seemingly containing Aguero but one lapse in concentration allowed the Argentine striker to nip ahead to score City's first. Kone remained relatively assured throughout the game but these moments are costing us dear.

John O'Shea - 6

Like Kone, O'Shea looked to have control of the City forward line and keeping their impressive talent at arms length but had no answer when the visitor's pressed for a second later in the game.

Darron Gibson - 5

Struggled to get a hold on the game and was forever playing poor passes. Was mercifully subbed for Jack Rodwell in the second, possibly carrying an injury.

Didier Ndong - 7

Much of our 'success' in the first half was down to both Ndong and Sebastian Larsson pressing the City midfield. The pair didn't give the visitors time on the ball and led to a handful of opportunities, Ndong managed to cover every blade of grass. Real shame that, once again, it really didn't matter.

Sebastian Larsson - 7

After his absolutely abysmal performance at Everton last week, this was a much improved outing from Larsson. Hastled and harried alongside Ndong but faded in the second half as City went into cruise control.

Adnan Januzaj - 6

Januzaj continues to be one of the most frustrating players to pull on a red and white shirt. Undeniable talent, ability to take on a man but his decision making leaves a lot to be desired. Many times where promising positions were undone by a terrible final ball. On the plus side, he linked up well with Jones down the right hand side.

Fabio Borini - 5

Was involved in our best chance of the game when Jermain Defoe struck the base of the post but squandered an open goal attempting to nod back in the rebound. The situation we find ourselves, those chances simply can't go begging.

Jermain Defoe - 6

Second time in two weeks where Defoe has been a matter of inches from giving us an all-important point or three. Engineered the chance and was desperately unlucky to see it come back out. Was occupied by City's two centre halves in the second half making his impact on the game limited.

Substitutes:

Jack Rodwell (for Darron Gibson) - 6

Brought on when the game had already gone and didn't do anything of note.

Wahbi Khazri (for Adnan Januzaj) - 5

I couldn't tell you if he even touched the ball.