Player Ratings: Sunderland 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

Could do nothing with the Blackburn goal, but handled and kicked very well. Put his defenders at ease with good claiming at set-pieces

Looked shaky at the back and wasn’t the commanding presence Sunderland needed. Was decent going forward and tried to support Larsson whenever he could.

Probably the best of the Sunderland back-four which was a decent effort considering it was his first Premier League game since September. Made one great tackle on Yakubu.

The former Manchester United man didn’t have the best of games and looks devoid of confidence. Didn’t look comfortable at all with Yakubu who got the better of him on occasions.

Tried to get forward whenever he could to support Richardson. Had a few efforts on goal which were disappointing. Defending was solid but wasn’t really tested down the left.

Should have scored twice in the first half but got into the positions to threaten the Blackburn defence. Raided well down the left and put dangerous crosses into the box.

His set-pieces were dangerous but he drifted in and out of the game, Sunderland needed more from him especially in the first-half. However, he duly delivered with an excellent free-kick to win the game.

Tried hard and put himself about. Passed the ball well on occasions but sometimes his balls to team-mates went array and his positional sense was poor.

A real handful for Blackburn to deal with. His movement and pace caused them real problems and on another day he may have had a couple of assists and a goal. His shooting was poor when he got into good positions.

Surprise selection after weeks out with injury. Put himself about in a tough assignment with Samba and Dann. Used the ball well and brought his team-mates into the game. Made decent runs into the channels.

Great stop to deny Richardson in the first half. An assured performance from the former England man. Handling was superb from dangerous Sunderland set-plays but could do nothing to stop either Sunderland goal.

Struggled at times with the pace and movement of Richardson. Helped Rovers defend difficult Sunderland set-plays. Didn’t really threaten going forward.

Excellent performance. Was dominant in the air and was crucial in helping keep Sunderland at bay in the first half especially. Didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Composed performance from the young centre-half, handled the threat of Wickham fairly well and was only occasionally troubled by his pace. Good in the air from set-plays.

Went off after 20 minutes with an injury. Did OK in his time on the field as he helped Rovers defend dangerous set-plays.

Defended well from his position of right-wing as he and Lowe tried to double up on Richardson. Didn’t do a great deal going forward.

Tackled well in the midfield and helped defend the back four from the pressing of the Sunderland midfield. Used the ball well going forward, unlucky to see his flying long range effort creep over.

Played well in the central midfield role and helped restrict Sunderland in the middle of the park. Tried to get forward whenever he could but spent most of the game in defensive role.

Delivered a good headed finish for his goal in the right place at the right time. Didn’t contribute much going forward apart from the opener

Raided well down the left and gave O’Shea a tough battle. Used his speed and skill to good effect and tried to get balls into the box but faded in the second half.