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Jordan Pickford - 6
Despite the defence parting like the Red Sea for the only goal of the game, Pickford was beaten far too easily. Atoned later with a good one-on-one save and was weirdly a spectator in the second half as we dominated but were too rubbish to do anything with it.
Billy Jones - 4
Oh Billy Jones, you are simply dreadful. You are, I'm sorry. Actually I'm not sorry at all, you are a dreadful footballer that a team has only had to pay money for after a tribunal. Roasted by Stewart Downing all night and just generally pathetic.
John O'Shea - 4
For all his experience, O'Shea still has that uncanny knack of being horrendously out of position on numerous occasions and failing to communicate with his defensive partners. Struggled with Negredo for good measure.
Jason Denayer - 5
I guess he was better than O'Shea and Jones, so that's something right?
Javier Manquillo - 6
Offered some form of creativity down the left hand side and got himself into a number of promising positions throughout the game. Could've hobbled off in the first half so kudos to him for seeing the game out.
Lee Cattermole - 6
Gave us an excellent volley from the edge of the area that managed to spin so much it actually stayed in play - mesmerising. Did his usual shouting at useless players but that was pretty much the extent of his contribution.
Didier Ndong - 7
The brightest spark in our midfield by some distance. Started the match by delivering a delicious ball over to Defoe and was constantly urging this team forward. If we do anything this summer, keeping Ndong is a priority as he could thrive in the Championship.
Darron Gibson - 4
Darron Gibson is not a defensive midfielder and never will be. Darron Gibson is not a box-to-box midfielder and never will be. Darron Gibson, I just don't know what you are but, boy, you are not a good midfielder.
Wahbi Khazri - 6
Like Ndong, Khazri offered some form of creative outlet. Seem to have more invention and guile than anyone around him but sadly wasn't able to deliver the final product.
Victor Anichebe - 6
Held the ball up well and dominated Fabio when Boro were forced into a change. Can't really remember him having a sight at goal bar his comical attempt to win a penalty.
Jermain Defoe - 6
Constantly dropping deep to pick up loose balls and seemed determined to carve out chances for himself knowing full well that the dross around him wouldn't. Had a few good chances in the opening exchanges but, for now the ninth game running, failed to hit the back of the net.
Substitutes:
Fabio Borini (for Gibson) - 5
Has there ever been a bigger heel turn (Jack Colback, aside) in Sunderland history than Fabio Borini? Generally pumped for him to leave.
Adnan Januzaj (for Khazri) - 4
I didn't think our season could get any lower then I saw Adnan Januzaj fail to kick a ball 30 yards in the air. Hey, remember in like 2013 when everyone thought he was git mint and that Paris Saint-Germain were going to spend £40 million on him. Bet he remembers.
Jack Rodwell (for Cattermole) - 5
Lead us Jack, lead us to creamy Championship glory.