Sunderland’s top-two hopes took a further hit on Saturday when they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Hull City.
Anthony Patterson’s own goal midway through the first half proved the difference and though they missed a couple of big chances in the second half, it was an afternoon where the Black Cats were well short of their best.
Here’s how we rated the Sunderland players...
5. Dennis Cirkin
Saw a lot of the ball but couldn’t find the delivery he was looking for. One of a number of Sunderland players who looked fatigued and short of their best level. 5 | Getty Images
6. Dan Neil
Just looked a bit short of his sharpest in the midfield battle in the first half. Played some good passes in the second to try and get Sunderland going but to no avail. 5 | Frank Reid
7. Chris Rigg
Started brightly and had a couple of efforts blocked well, but struggled to impact the game thereafter. Looked fatigued in the second half and no surprise Le Bris made an early change. 5 | Frank Reid
8. Jobe Bellingham
A long way short of his most influential best in the midfield battle. Couldn’t really get into the contest and one missed header was his only real sight of goal in the second half. 5 | Getty Images