Hartlepool 1-2 Sunderland; Plenty for Grayson to mull over - Ratings from Victoria Park

Max Stryjek - 6

Could maybe have done better with the goal but didn't really have a great deal to do. Nice to see him get a full game in the absence of Mannone.

Billy Jones - 6

Decent in the first half and got stuck in.

Ty Browning - 7

Very impressive. Hope we see more of him at centre half - he's big, quick, strong and steady on the ball.

Lamine Kone - 6

Didn't do much wrong but his communication is awful. Needs to talk the rest of his defensive counterparts through the game more often.

Adam Matthews - 4

Dreadful. Out of position at left back and was done too easily by Donaldson for the 'Pools goal.

George Honeyman - 5

Worked hard but had zero impact on the game.

Darron Gibson - 4

Overran for most of the game and struggled with the pace and energy of the Hartlepool central midfielders.

Lee Cattermole - 5

Much like Gibson. Worked very hard though - just not fit enough. Perhaps suffered from not having someone with energy, like Khazri or Ndong, around him.

Joel Asoro - 5

Another that worked hard but just wasn’t able to get into the game. Cannot cross a ball to save his life - feel he’s uncomfortable out wide.

Josh Maja - 7

Took his penalty well and worked hard against two towering and physical central defenders. I like this kid.

James Vaughan - 7

Giving him a seven because he worked his cock off, despite feeding of scraps. I hope the amount of long balls we played tonight isn’t a sign of what is to come.

Substitutes

Jeremain Lens - 7

Scored a superb free-kick to win us the game and was the first player to applaud the fans at the end. Hoping that he’s turned over a new leaf because he is incredibly talented.

Dider Ndong - 6

Offered us the energy in midfield that Cattermole and Gibson are sorely lacking. Another that I hope is staying around next season. He’s perfect for the Championship.

John O’Shea - 6

Had very little to do.

Donald Love - 5

His only contribution was a shocking cross from the right hand side that missed everybody.

Wahbi Khazri - 6

Wasn’t really on long enough to add anything but we immediately look more potent with him on the pitch because he’s so busy and moves into areas of the pitch that our other players are simply unable to.

Papy Djilobodji - 4

Christ... NEVER PLAY HIM LEFT BACK AGAIN. Fell over in the corner and drew the biggest laugh of the night out of the crowd.