Costel Pantilimon – 7
Didn’t have much to do to record his clean sheet. Nothing spetacular or worth mentioning which is a good thing.
Anthony Reveillere – 8
Played his best match in a Sunderland uniform. Was very productive whenevr on the ball and created the first goal that went to Connor Wickham. This performance will surely keep Billy Jones on the bench for a while.
Santiago Vergini – 7
Played well as the central back and did not make any mistake. Looked very comfortable and assured out there alongside O’shea. On the other hand, Burnley’s strikers did not really make him work hard enough.
John O’Shea – 7
John O’shea has been the most consistent Sunderland player so far as he records another good match. He’s been very good and mistake-free which has become pretty much the norm with him. Nothing gets passed him and he flushes out everything.
Patrick van Aanholt – 8
Played very well and was constantly making himself a presence going forward and forcing Burnley to pick him up. Has been good for the most part this season and Sunderland should do everything to make his loan and permanent stay at the Stadium of Light.
Liam Bridcutt – 6
Had a few shaky moment early on but managed to shake it off and improve as match went on. Did well enough to record an above average rating but I still feel it’s not enough to keep Cattermole or Rodwell on the bench when they’re available for selection.
Seb Larsson – 7
Had a much better match then the previous cup match. Was much more active and visible, specially on offense.
Jordi Gomez – 8 ( Man Of The Match)
I must say I did not expect it but Gomez was one of the best Sunderland performer today. He played with much more urgency instead of the slow-paced type of way that killed team momentum. Was very creative which I hadn’t seen much of this season.
Adam Johnson – 6
Did not do much to influence the game enough and was eventually replaced in the second half by Alvarez.
Connor Wickham – 7
Did his job by getting on the score sheet and that’s good enough for me. Could had gotten a second goal if it wasn’t for bad referee.
Jermain Defoe – 7
Got his first goal as a Sunderland player. Very good movement which kept Burnley defenders occupied.
Steven Fletcher – 5
Not a good match from Fletcher and I’m sure he’ll now be behind Wickham as the guy to partner Defoe.
Danny Graham – 6
Did better than Steven Fletcher and may get the nod before him as the first striker off the bench next match.Workhorse cameo from Graham. Fair play.
Ricky Alvarez – 5
Did not have enough time to influence the match.
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