Sunderland 2 Liverpool 2: Match ratings, Jermain Defoe and Vito Mannone star

A battling performance by Sunderland earned a 2-2 draw against Liverpool '“ and a number of players stood out for the Wearsiders.
Jermain Defoe celebrates his leveller. Picture by FRANK REIDJermain Defoe celebrates his leveller. Picture by FRANK REID
Jermain Defoe celebrates his leveller. Picture by FRANK REID

After an insipid performance against Burnley on New Year’s Eve, this was a fantastic effort by the Black Cats. Here’s how they rated:

SUNDERLAND 4-4-2

Vito Mannone: After a disappointing return at Burnley, the Italian was in top form with a string of good saves in both halves. 8

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Donald Love: Came back into side for suspended Billy Jones and played his part of fine defensive effort. 7

John O'Shea: No problems with his central defensive partner after their howler at Turf Moor, good game. 7

Papy Djilobodji: Same as John O'Shea. Unfortunate his flick on fell to Mane to score. 7

Patrick van Aanholt: Made bright start and carried it on, got forward nicely. 7

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fabio Borini: Had a great chance after Mignolet had saved from Defoe and again in second half. 6

Jack Rodwell: Fine return after two-month absence, had good shot saved my Mignolet. 6

Didier Ndong: First venture into opposition box this season won a penalty. Good in both halves of field. 6

Seb Larsson: Picked on left of midfield and a good and this time disciplined display. Late free-kick won pen. 6

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Adnan Januzaj: A number of fouls on him went unpunished, but lively, played nice ball in for Ndong pen and throughball for Defoe which Mignolet saved. Subbed late on. 7

Jermain Defoe: Two great penalties into the bottom corner. Also missed with a gilt-edged 1v1 with Mignolet in first half. 8

Subs


Javier Manquillo (for Rodwell 64): Did well in midfield. 6


Wahbi Khazri (for Januzaj 79) : Nice to see Tunisian get a late cameo

Unused Subs: Mika, George Honeyman, Elliott Embleton, Josh Maja, Michael Ledger


Goal: Defoe pen 24, pen 84


Booked: Rodwell 8, Larsson 51

LIVERPOOL 4-3-3


Mignolet 6


Clyne 6


Lovren 6


Klavan 6


Milner 6 (Moreno 46)


Wijnaldum 6 (Origi 73)


Lallana 7


Can 6


Mané 7


Firmino 7


Sturridge 7 (Leiva 80)

Unused Subs


Karius


Stewart


Ejaria


Alexander-Arnold

Goals: Sturridge 19, Mane 72


Booked: Milner 30, Mane 83

Referee: Anthony Taylor. Couple of harsh yellows and missed blatant Liverpool handball, otherwise a good game. 6


Attendance: 46,494