Player Ratings: Stoke City 0-1 Sunderland

The Dane was never pressured into action during the first-half, with Sunderland failing to get any sort of effort on target. In the second the ‘keeper was tested just the once to full effect, but unfortunately was Mclean’s winner that he might have done better in covering.

Not too bad a performance from the defender, but was a main culprit in the Sunderland opener after failing to deal with McLean’s breakthrough into the box and his pressure only managed to make the midfielder stumble before scoring.

Not a bad game but didn’t do enough to get the play forward and keep McLean from going on dangerous runs.

Another player for the host that had little influence on the game. The midfielder made some good passes with some effective tackling on the way, but in the end wasn’t good enough.

Dealt with Larsson well enough to deny the Swede with any opportunities to cross the ball and got rid of the ball efficiently enough to put his side on the front-foot when possible.

The winger was up to his usual bag of tricks down the right flank, but failed to make them work, with the former Liverpool man’s crossing not up to scratch and lost possession on too many occasions. Was replaced just before the break as a consequence of Huth’s sending off.

Largely ineffectual and failed to really get the ball forward to the attackers.

Brought back into midfield, the attacker had a subtle display as he rarely got involved too much and couldn’t particularly influence the game.

A poor display from the big man up top who never really got going and didn’t threaten Mignolet’s goal once.

Didn’t make half-time thanks to an ankle injury and failed to make much of his time on the pitch.

Was never truly threatened by the Potters’ attackers, but made the saves when required and kept a well-earned clean-sheet.

A good all round display that saw the right-back see off his opposite number in Walters, leaving the attacker frustrated.

A solid performance at the back with a great deal of effective tackling and clearances.

The full-back was a particular highlight for the visitors with the defender getting forward regularly and creating attacking moves for the Black Cats with a decent amount of success.

The Irishman’s day was marred only by a needless yellow card for dissent and was a strong force at the back for Sunderland who did his job as it should be done.

The Swede didn’t have the best game of his career and failed to really get himself in the game, but made some good passing moves and was tireless throughout.

A fairly successful game from midfielder who got the ball about and wasn’t shy to get himself forward.

The youngster had a fairly decent game, if a quiet one. The midfielder made some good passes and helped play move forward.

Was the victim of a harsh challenge from Huth, but it didn’t stop him from having a good game, moving the ball well and keeping it clear of the Stoke attackers.

Not a great display from the man who was put up top on his own whilst Marin O’Neill rest Frazier Campbell, failing to really test Sorenson with the chances he had. His only contribution was key though in feeding McLean for the goal.