Sunderland progressed to the third round of the Carling Cup tonight with a suspect victory over League 2 outfit Exeter City. Sunderland found themselves somehow only drawing 3-3 at half time despite being 2 goals ahead just fifteen minutes into the game. The second half substitutions injected much needed energy into a sluggish team and ultimately was the catalyst in Sunderland getting the 6-3 victory. Sunderland looked deadly in front of goal and woeful at the back, as all three goals should’ve been prevented. Here are ReadSunderland’s player ratings for tonight:
Costel Pantilimon – 5
Let down in a big way by his defence, but yet again his kicking was poor and did concede three goals to a poor team.
Adam Matthews – 6
Looked good in his limited time on the pitch before being substituted due to injury. Made a last ditch tackle that likely prevented a goal for Exeter.
Sebastian Coates – 4
Complacent defending and poor distribution, was one half of a very poor centre back partnership tonight.
John O’Shea – 4
The captain had quite the opposite effect to that of his performance on Saturday, directly being at fault for two of Exeter’s goals and looked woeful all game.
Patrick Van Aanholt – 6
Looked average defensively once more, but deadly going forward, such is the trend with Van Aanholt. Created the opening goal and his pace was a major threat down Exeter’s right flank.
Yann M’Vila – 6
Didn’t do too much wrong, and looked comfortable in possession but also didn’t have much of an effect on the game. Perhaps should’ve communicated better with Coates for the second Exeter goal.
Lee Cattermole – 6
Average first half followed by a good second half. The fatigue of the Exeter players allowed him to control the midfield in the second half, leading to Sunderland dominating possession and finishing the game off.
Jack Rodwell – 9 (Man of The Match)
Scored two and assisted two. Rodwell showed his effectiveness as an attacker particularly with his aerial presence and was unlucky not to join Jermain Defoe in getting a hat-trick himself.
Seb Larsson – 8
The Swede grabbed two assists and worked tirelessly all game, even filling in at right back when Matthews was substituted.
Danny Graham – 5
Tried hard as always, but poor finishing let him down, as always. Had three good chances in the first half alone and was consequently substituted at half time.
Jermain Defoe – 9
Displayed his trademark flawless finishing and bagged himself a hat-trick in a classy display, taking his total to 5 goals in 4 games now.
Substitutes:
Duncan Watmore – 8
The youngster injected a spark into a laboured Sunderland side that ultimately culminated in a victory, landing on the scoresheet himself. His boundless energy lifted the whole team.
Lynden Gooch – 7
Also provided energy and much needed width off the bench and looked sharp in every attacking move he was a part of. Took advantage of the opposition’s tired legs and looked lively.
Steven Fletcher – 5
Came on at half time and unfortunately was substituted after being on the receiving end of an unintentional elbow. Had no time to make an impact.
