Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Who shone and struggled in Portsmouth defeat?
Sunderland suffered defeat at the hands of Portsmouth – but which players emerged with credit on the south coast?
The Black Cats were undone by two set-pieces at Fratton Park, as both Christian Burgess and James Bolton took advantage of some sloppy defending to hand Pompey victory.
But who, if anyone, impressed for Sunderland in their disappointing defeat? Scroll down and click through the pages to see how our man Phil Smith rated the individual displays on show against Portsmouth:
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5. Denver Hume
Put in one excellent cross early on that Maguire should have scored from, but struggled from Portsmouth’s opening goal onward. Touch was poor and struggled defensively. 4 Photo: FRANK REID
6. Luke O'Nien
Almost scored a truly exceptional goal in the first half, one that would have given Sunderland a lead they deserved at that stage of the game. Couldn’t get in any advanced positions in the second half. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
7. Max Power
Started the game well, combative and aggressive, but little impact in a second half where Sunderland had no control in midfield. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
8. George Dobson
Really struggled in the midfield department, particularly in a second half where Sunderland just couldn’t build any spells of possession. Now just one yellow away from a two-match ban. 4 Photo: Frank Reid