---
title: "Sunderland vs Exeter: Player Ratings"
canonical: "https://readsunderland.com/2015/08/26/sunderland-vs-exeter-player-ratings/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "ryangroves"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-08-26T11:01:00Z"
modified: "2015-08-26T11:01:00Z"
---

# Sunderland vs Exeter: Player Ratings

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.