Mike Dodds’ side fell a goal down in the 19th minute when Swans winger Ronald opened the scoring. The Brazilian then netted his second of the match nine minutes later, while the visitors could have scored more in the first half. Luke O’Nien managed to pull a goal back for Sunderland 13 minutes from time but it was too little too late.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
5. Trai Hume - 5
Caught out up the pitch too regularly in the first half as Swansea exploited the space left by Sunderland’s formation change. Looked very much like his own self in the second half. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
Got into some good areas in the second half and helped apply pressure, but to no avail. Overrun in the first half in a poor team showing. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
Put in a good free kick that O’Nien converted in the second half, a reflection of his improved display. One of 11 well off the pace in the first half, not helped by a game plan they didn’t really get to grips with at any stage. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
A difficult debut, caught in the mess that was Sunderland’s first-half performance. The idea was to play at wing back and tuck into midfield on the ball, but Swansea completely dominated and left for wing backs Placheta and Ronald to thrive. Styles did play one or two really nice passes to show his technical quality. Can hopefully get a chance tin a more settled side to show more. 4 Photo: George Wood