Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Championship leaders Leicester at the King Power Stadium – but how did each player fare for Tony Mowbray’s side.
Foxes defender James Juston scored the only goal of the game when he headed home Kienan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner in the 12th minute.
Sunderland then had a strong penalty appeal turned down on the stroke of half-time when Dan Neil was brought down by Wout Faes.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the King Power Stadium:
. LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City and Daniel Ballard of Sunderland battle for possession during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Sunderland at The King Power Stadium on October 24, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Dan Ballard playing for Sunderland against Leicester. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. Anthony Patterson - 7
Made two excellent saves in the second half to keep his side in the game, though the first was after his poor clearance. The second really was top drawer, as was his smart stop to deny Mavididi by turning an effort onto the post with his leg early on. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
. Trai Hume - 6
Did relatively well against arguably the toughest opponent he will face all season, the constantly-dangerous Stephy Mavididi. Little chance to break forward as a result. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
. Dan Ballard - 8
An excellent performance. Sunderland’s plan revolved around leaving him up against his striker and trusting him to win the duel. More often than not, he did. Very impressive. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
. Luke O’Nien - 7
Like Ballard he broadly came out of his individual duels on top and also played some good, aggressive passes to create openings. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
. Niall Huggins - 6
Leicester targeted him with a couple of high balls early on, which he dealt with well. Little chance to get forward but stuck to a very difficult defensive task well enough. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
1. Anthony Patterson - 7
Made two excellent saves in the second half to keep his side in the game, though the first was after his poor clearance. The second really was top drawer, as was his smart stop to deny Mavididi by turning an effort onto the post with his leg early on. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Trai Hume - 6
Did relatively well against arguably the toughest opponent he will face all season, the constantly-dangerous Stephy Mavididi. Little chance to break forward as a result. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Dan Ballard - 8
An excellent performance. Sunderland’s plan revolved around leaving him up against his striker and trusting him to win the duel. More often than not, he did. Very impressive. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Luke O’Nien - 7
Like Ballard he broadly came out of his individual duels on top and also played some good, aggressive passes to create openings. 7 Photo: Frank Reid