Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Low marks as Cats crash out the FA Cup at first hurdle
Sunderland crashed out the FA Cup at the first hurdle after defeat to League Two side Mansfield Town – but how did their players perform?
By Phil Smith
Published 7th Nov 2020, 17:04 BST
George Lapslie’s second half header saw the Black Cats knocked out at the first round stage for the second year running as the fourth tier side claimed their first win of the season.
So did any players emerge with credit from the clash?
Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks:
Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks:
5. Jack Diamond
An afternoon of some promise and some frustration. Particularly in the second half, his pace and willingness to take players on was refreshing in a tepid display from his team. The end product, though, was mixed, and he spurned one fine chance late in the second half. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Was the bright spark on a poor afternoon for Sunderland. A real willingness to drive forward and the quality of his cross was excellent. Very unlucky not to register an assist or a goal. Tired in the second half, understandably given he has barely kicked a ball competitively in the last six months. 7 Photo: Pete Norton
Tried to lift the tempo of his side’s play in the second half but was largely ineffectual in possession and did little to hurt the opposition. 4 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
Plenty of industry but little incision in possession. Neither central midfielder did much to push their claims for a place in the league side. 4 Photo: Frank Reid