Sunderland fell to their third home defeat in as many games when they were beaten by Brighton on Saturday.
Yankuba Minteh’s goal midway through the second half made the difference, the winger mishitting a cross following a corner but finding the back of the net with his effort.
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It was a tough one to take for Sunderland, who had seen a Chris Rigg goal overruled for offside not long before. Sunderland pushed for an equaliser but a stretched squad ran out of steam late on. Here’s how we rated all the Black Cats involved on the day...
1. GK - Melker Ellborg
Made a stunning early save from Jack Hinshelwood. One or two nervy moments on the ball but largely did well - caught out by Minteh’s mishit cross that flew in. That was really unfortunate. 6 | Frank Reid
2. RB - Lustsharel Geertruida
Had a really strong first half, much improved from Port Vale. Got into good attacking areas and defended well. One of many who just couldn’t sustain that level right through the closing stages. 6 | Getty Images
3. CB - Dan Ballard
Was having a typically good game, winning his duels and stepping out from the back, when an injury forced him off in the second half. Hopefully just a precaution ahead of the derby. 7 | Getty Images
4. CB - Omar Alderete
Unlucky that he was just offside when he assisted Rigg’s effort early in the second half. Had been really good in the opening hour and built up play well, but did tire late on and gave the ball away on occasions. 6 Photo: OLI SCARFF