Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Preston at Deepdale – but how did each player for Tony Mowbray’s side?
The Black Cats fell behind in the 25th minute when Mads Frokjaer’s effort deflected into Sunderland’s net off Will Keane, as goalkeeper Anthony Patterson was wrong-footed.
Sunderland responded well, as Jack Clarke won and converted a penalty just six minutes later, but couldn’t maintain their momentum in the second half.
Frokjaer then scored the winner just before the hour mark after a low finish past goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at Deepdale:
5. Dennis Cirkin - 7
Preston targeted his flank aerially early on but got no joy from it, Cirkin excellent under pressure. Got into some good areas as well in a strong all-round display. Comfortably one of the better performers. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Dan Neil - 6
One of Sunderland’s better performers in a second half that lacked tempo too often, moving the ball well and pushing his side on. Has started the season pretty well despite the two defeats. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Pierre Ekwah - 5
Wasn’t able to get to his sharpest at any stage of the game, too often losing possession in the face of Preston’s press. Part of a poor 1-2 with Bellingham in the build up to the second. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Patrick Roberts - 8
Looked back to his sharpest, with a string of mazy runs into dangerous areas. Terrific at times and performances like this are owed someone in the six-yard box to convert. 8 Photo: Frank Reid