Remi Matthews: 5/10
Had one miserable punch out that travelled 3 yards and should have been punished with a Mansfield opener, there was very little he could have done for the visitor’s eventual goal.
Conor McLaughlin: 7/10
Improbably excellent in the Bailey Wright ‘sweeper’ role. Showed more composure than any Black Cat, his passing was great for the most part, and he read the game well when forced to tidy up.
Dion Sanderson: 5/10
One of many inconsistent performers, his decision making in possession was erratic, despite his obvious technical quality.
Another gripe is, that for such a tall player Sanderson really struggled in his aerial duels and didn’t show any quality in his heading.
Tom Flanagan: 4/10
Same old story with Flanagan, the game just feels like such an almighty struggle for him, his passing was suspect and his technique often let him down when he sprang forwards to join in attacks.
Jack Diamond: 6/10
Looked too eager to impress and gave away the ball a tonne in the first half, Diamond seemed too desperate to showcase his quality dribbling and ran into Mansfield defenders or put his head down to run with the ball without assessing what he’d do next.
Impressively, Diamond was able to refocus and start using his elite ball-carrying to better effect drawing free kicks and providing an important outlet for Sunderland. He finished the game as Sunderland’s biggest threat, and it was hard to see the Mackems scoring unless it came from a Diamond cross.
George Dobson: 6/10
Had some nervous moments, but looked much more assured than in his other outings this season. Still looks a player in desperate need of a confidence boost.
Max Power: 5/10
His performance was indicative of his season long struggles, Power just doesn’t bring a lot to the table in a more advanced role. He looked hesitant and slow out wide, and didn’t offer any penetration in attacking areas.
Chris Maguire: 6/10
One of those Maguire performances where you get a bit of everything, brilliant playmaking, baffling concessions of possession and everything in a between.
Callum McFadzean: 8/10
A flawless debut. His crossing was excellent, his dribbling and ability to con defenders was seriously impressive, the newcomer could have had a host of assists on another day.
Danny Graham: 4/10
Whilst Graham was unlucky to hit the post with a decent effort on the volley, once again the aging striker’s good moments in the game were overshadowed by a horrifying miss. The 35-year-old somehow hit the crossbar from a yard out!
He compounded missing a sitter with miserable second half hold up play and was unsurprisingly hooked midway through the second half.
Will Grigg: 5/10
Grigg did have some decent moments in the game including a flick on that nearly set up Graham early on, but once again the Northern Ireland international just feels way too easy to defend against.
His hold up play was inconsistent and he still lacks the aggression and tenacity you’d expect from a League One centre forward.
(SUB) Charlie Wyke: 6/10
Nearly had an assist when he laid on a brilliant chance for Jack Diamond to equalise, missed a decent headed chance late on.
(SUB) Elliot Embleton: 6/10
Brought a greater level of creativity to Sunderland’s midfield and showcased his impressive passing range in the Sunderland midfield.
(SUB) Aiden O’Brien: 5/10
Came on to play left wing back weirdly, fluffed his big chance to score, scuffing a volley.
Man of the Match
Callum McFadzean