Ron-Thorben Hoffmann: 3/10

No chance with the first four goals but badly caught out for the fifth. Needed to slow the game down in the first half when we were under pressure but was overly keen to get the game going again.

Carl Winchester: 2/10

Overran at right back in the first half, moved to central midfield in the second and did nothing of note.

Tom Flanagan: 2/10

After a better start to the season, that was more like the Flanagan of old. Not commanding enough for the senior centre-half.

Callum Doyle: 3/10

Can’t question his commitment but was caught out of position at times, particularly in the first half as Rotherham targeted the full backs.

Dennis Cirkin: 2/10

Like Winchester he was overran in the first half, unlike Winchester he remained at full back for the remainder of the game and it did not get any better for him.

Luke O’Nien: 2/10

Needlessly got himself booked, even if the Rotherham player made a meal of it, but that’s just the type of game we need O’Nien for but not at it today.

Dan Neil: 4/10

Showed his quality with a great bit of play in the first half to set up the lone Sunderland goal but in a midfield two we need much more from him defensively.

Aiden McGeady: 1/10

Not much of a threat in attack, didn’t help out his full back enough and got himself sent off for a stupid tackle on the sidelines, not a captain’s performance.

Elliot Embleton: 3/10

A couple of left-footed shots on target after cutting inside but struggled to make an impact.

Leon Dajaku: 2/10

One good cross in the first half from the left that should have been attacked more but needs to provide more cover to the defender behind him.

Ross Stewart: 7/10

Scored a goal and smashed a shot against the post from distance, otherwise was left isolated up front but put a shift in.

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Substitutes

Bailey Wright: 1/10

Night and day difference from his performance against QPR. Came on at half-time and was easily beaten in the air for two of the five Rotherham goals.

Lynden Gooch: 4/10

Came on at half-time and put a shift in at right wing back.

Corry Evans: 4/10

Subbed on with the hosts well on top, did have a couple of shots but couldn’t stem the tide defensively.

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Man of the Match: Ross Stewart

The only Sunderland player to emerge from the game with any kind of credit. Took his goal extremely well and was unlucky not to get another when his 25-yarder crashed against the post.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images