Sunderland today fell to their second defeat in as many matches as Norwich City battered the Black Cats 3-1. Backed by the home faithful, Sunderland never got going, and once again went into half-time with the game out of their grasp. First half goals from Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker put the opposition to the sword, before a second half goal from Nathan Redmond saw off the Wearsiders. Youngster Duncan Watmore got a late consolation goal for Sunderland, who now have alarms bells ringing, with Dick Advocaat preparing a team meeting tomorrow morning, Read Sunderland rate the Black Cats players:
Costel Pantilimon – 5
Once again poor, the giant Romanian was beaten at his near post for the third goal. He made a few good saves in the first half but questions must be asked, with two poor games in a row, Vito Mannone may be given another chance in between the sticks.
Billy Jones – 6
A lot better than last week from Jones. He did reasonably well going forward and made a few good tackles defensively. Questions can be asked about the defenders end product however, with the Englishman getting into decent attacking positions on occasions.
Sebastian Coates – 5
For the second game in a row, Coates didn’t do an awful lot. He made a few good tackles and was positionally reasonable, but did make a few awful clearances to keep the pressure on Sunderland.
Younes Kaboul – 6
The Frenchman was much better this week, with his positioning and heading particularly impressive. He does still lack match fitness but was asked to do two jobs, covering the wandering Van Aanholts position.
Patrick Van Aanholt – 3
An absolute nightmare for the left-back, positionally awful and offered nothing defensively or going forward. He also couldn’t control or pass a ball all afternoon. Surely a new full-back is on the increasing shopping list, with no competition virtually guaranteeing Van Aanholts position in the first-team currently.
Sebastian Larsson – 4
Larsson’s worst game in a Sunderland shirt for some time. Didn’t connect with any crosses and his set-pieces were woeful. Tried for the team but lacked quality and was sacrificed at half-time.
Yann M’Vila – 7
Clearly has quality and showed glimpses of it today, with some great positional play. Reads and times the play with ease and will add quality in the future to a midfield that is severely lacking in it.
Lee Cattermole – 5
Not captain material. The side lacked leadership and Cattermole was not able to play his game. He made some decent tackles at times but failed to pick up Redmond for the final goal, big improvement needed.
Jeremain Lens – 5
Decent at set-pieces but was poor with his all round play. Lens fails to track back and was guilty of jogging around the pitch. A lot more commitment and passion is needed if the Dutchman is to be successful at the Stadium of Light.
Jermain Defoe- 4
Annonymous. Few nice touches on the ball in the second half but failed to have a single goalscoring opportunity.
Steven Fletcher – 4
Didn’t win headers, didn’t link up play and didn’t take his chances, a poor a disappointing performance from Fletcher, who was out to impress after his goal last week.
Substitutes:
Danny Graham – 5
Didn’t do a lot after being introduced at the break. A difficult afternoon for Sunderland’s forward line, who were starved of chances.
Duncan Watmore – 8 (Man of the Match)
Finally given his league debut for Sunderland, who managed to get a goal. He was full of energy and put to shame the ‘experienced’ players of the team today. Surely Watmore must be given his chance to shine on the back of this performance?
