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:
13. Adil Aouchiche (sub) - 6
His passing and efforts didn’t always come off but Sunderland improved immediately after his introduction and in a side low on confidence and creativity it’s hard to understand why he isn’t getting the chance to start. That surely has to change next weekend. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
14. Callum Styles (sub) - 5
Didn’t get a chance to get into the game before Southampton pulled clear with two quick goals - a reshuffled left side of the defence badly exposed on the break. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
15. Pierre Ekwah (sub) - 5
A brief cameo late on - a couple of nice passes and one or two moments where Southampton were able to play through. 5 Photo: Frank Reid