The Barclays Premier League season got off to a flyer today at the King Power stadium with goals flying in left, right and centre. A disastrous first half for Sunderland, which saw Leicester score three goals in fifteen minutes led to fans fearing the worst. Despite an improved second half the game ended in favour of the hosts with a 4-2 scoreline. We take a look at how the Black Cats players performed.
Costel Pantilimon – 5
Poor game for the giant goalkeeper, conceding four goals where he could have done a lot more. Pantilimon did well gathering crosses mostly but was slow on getting down to his bottom corners, which is incidentally where all goals were placed.
Billy Jones – 4
A very poor game for the right back who didn’t look comfortable going forward or defensively. The former West Brom man couldn’t deal with Albrighton and was at fault for not closing down the cross for both opening goals.
Sebastian Coates – 6
The best of a poor back four with the Uruguayan making his second debut for the Black Cats. He didn’t do an awful lot which I suppose is better than making mistakes like the rest of the defence.
Younes Kaboul – 5
A difficult debut for the Frenchman, who looked off the pace. Won his fair amount of headers, but was at fault for the game killing fourth goal after a poor clearance. He could of had a goal at the other end with the score still at 0-0
Patrick Van Aanholt – 5
New season, same old story for the Dutchman. Bright going forward but caught out too many times defensively with Mahrez running rings around him.
Lee Cattermole – 3
Skipper for the day (or for half an hour), ran around and gave away a penalty before being substituted in the first half with the game already over at 3-0, very poor.
Sebastian Larsson – 4
Last season’s player of the year was an anonymous figure in the Sunderland midfield, which was overrun by Leicester throughout the afternoon. Still, the Swede tried and played a few nice through balls for the strikers.
Jack Rodwell – 4
Lucky not to be sent-off in what is an important second season for Rodwell. He tried for the team but did not look comfortable or with the pace of the game.
Adam Johnson – 4
Another anonymous figure, Johnson took over the armband after Cattermole’s departure, but never really got into the game. Took some abuse off the home support too.
Jeremain Lens – 4
Very disappointing debut for Lens, bigger things were expected of the big money signing. Will hopefully improve and impose himself better on future games.
Jermain Defoe – 7 (Man of the Match)
A goal and assist for Defoe in a game where he never gave up, despite the scoreline. Could of had more goals today but was always a goal threat throughout.
Substitutes:
Adam Matthews – 5
Did better than Jones when he came on. A few good forward passes and runs, reasonable defensively too.
Steven Fletcher – 7
The Scot has got off to a goalscoring start this season which is a confidence boost for him and the club. Did well when he came on, winning headers and looking a threat.
