Sunderland were beaten 4-2 by Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium – but how did each player fare for Mike Dodds’ side?
The Black Cats fell two goals down in the first half after Stuart Armstrong’s opener and an Adam Armstrong penalty. Sunderland managed to draw level after the interval, though, after goals from Romaine Mundle and Jobe Bellingham during a nine-minute spell.
Yet Southampton took the points after substitute Joe Rothwell scored twice from close range. Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at St Mary’s Stadium:
5. Leo Hjelde - 5
Didn’t offer much in possession during the first half and his move to the heart of defence after Ballard’s injury showed how stretched the squad is in that position at the moment. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Dan Neil - 7
Sunderland’s best player by a fairly significant distance in a dreadful first half, and played a key part in the brief second-half comeback with an assist for Mundle’s goal. One or two moments where he lost possession but always showed for the ball and came out with credit again. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Jobe Bellingham - 5
A poor headed clearance from an early free kick gave Southampton the lead early. Scored a stunning strike to briefly level the scores in the second half, where he got on top of the game better. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Chris Rigg - 5
Started brightly and got into some nice areas before giving away a penalty for a challenge on Manning. A learning experience for the 16-year-old. 5 Photo: Frank Reid