Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Championship leaders Leicester at the Stadium of Light – but how did each player fare for the Black Cats?
Jamie Vardy scored the game’s only goal in the 13th minute, after Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson had kept out Wout Faes’ header. After a shaky start, Mike Dodds’ side finished on the front foot but couldn’t force an equaliser.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
9. Chris Rigg - 7
A few loose passes in the first half but a remarkable full Championship debut given his age and the calibre of opposition. Played with no fear and always tried to take the positive option - caused Leicester some problems in the second half. Surely earned more starts in the near future. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Jobe Bellingham - 5
Played just off the left in the first half and struggled to offer a threat with the gameplan not really working, Sunderland were too passive and lacked pace to cause problems on the break. More effective in the second half as the entire team stepped up and got on top. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
11. Hemir - 4
Leicester’s domination of the ball meant he hardly got near their goal but didn’t really have involvement in the game and didn’t offer a focal point. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
12. Adil Aouchiche (sub) - 7
Brought real energy and purpose, put in some decent set plays and set Ballard away for his late penalty appeal. Hard to understand his recent exclusion on this evidence. 7 Photo: Frank Reid