Sunderland returned to action against Liverpool in the Premier League 2 on Monday evening at Eppleton.
The Black Cats came into the game on the back of an opening-day draw against Newcastle United, which was followed by a victory against Middlesbrough in their second game back after the summer break.
Liverpool took the lead early doors after a goal from James Balagizi before Trey Ogunsyui equalised minutes later with a cool run and finish. The visitors then re-took the lead with around half an hour on the clock through Kieron Morrison. Ranel Young then extended Liverpool’s lead towards the end of the game.
Tommy Watson pulled one back with a superb effort from the left-hand side to make it 3-2 but it was too little too late for the Black Cats.
Here, James Copley rates each Sunderland player after the game against Liverpool in the Premier League 2:
5. Joe Anderson
Joe Anderson started at left-back but moved to centre-back after the break as Sunderland's defensive line improved. 6 | Ben Cuthbertson
6. Harrison Jones
Gave away the ball for Liverpool's opener in a tight area and failed to put a tackle in for their second. Improved as the half went on as he got to grips with the Reds' midfield. Despite some early set-backs Sunderland's captain always showed for the ball and looked to get his team moving. 6 | Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
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7. Caden Kelly
Caden Kelly showed some canny touches in the first-half and possesses impressive vision but he and Jones struggled to get to grips with Liverpool's midfield in the first half. 6 | Ben Cuthbertson
8. Timur Tutierov
Timur Tutierov started on the right-hand side of Sunderland's attack and looked bright without managing to fashion a chance of his own in the first-half. Should have scored in the second half after Watson's cut back. 6 | Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Ben Cuthbertson