Watford 2 Sunderland 2: Kids shine but who was man of match?

Goals from Jack Rodwell and Jeremain Lens gave a much-changed side a point at Vicarage Road.

Rees Greenwood and Tommy Robson were both handed their Premier League debuts from the start by Sam Allardyce, and another of Sunderland’s successful Under-21s team, george Honeyman, was a second-half substitute.

But how did they fare? Richard Mennear has the ratings.

Jordan Pickford: Got down well to make a strong save from a Nathan Ake effort first half. Distribution good... 6

DeAndre Yedlin: Defended well enough, snuffing out Odion Ighalo as he bore down. Still struggles with final ball. Subbed with a knock... 6

John O’Shea: Not his best outing in a red and white shirt. Was beaten for the first Watford goal, despite protests he was pushed. Then gave away a penalty..... 5

Lamine Kone: Enjoyed a good battle with Troy Deeney. Steady performance from one of the best pieces of January business... 6

Tommy Robson: Composed debut at left-back, didn’t look out of place at this level. Defended well and looked to get forward. The pick of the debutants. MOM... 7

Seb Larsson: Solid enough, keeping Sunderland ticking over in the middle. Subbed early though.... 6

Rees Greenwood: Promising debut from the England Under-20 international. Played a key role in Rodwell’s goal, laying off Lens for the assist. Quick feet..... 6

Jack Rodwell: Sunderland’s best player first half and got his reward with the goal. Worked hard and made a positive impression. ...6

Duncan Watmore: Had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside. Runs caused Watford problems and he laid on assist for Lens goal.... 7

Jeremain Lens: Didn’t make much of an impression in the opening half hour but laid on assist for Rodwell’s goal. Scored to regain the lead.... 6

Dame N’Doye: Led the line well, one of his better performances. Put himself about up front. Had goal ruled out ....7

Subs:

George Honeyman (for Greenwood, 52): On for Greenwood at left wing and struggled to make an impact. Worked hard but didn’t touch the ball enough.

Yann M’Vila (for Seb Larsson, 62): Didn’t have a huge impact on the game, passing radar was off.

Billy Jones (for Yedlin, 76): On for Yedlin who hobbled off. Steady enough at full-back.