Player Ratings as Sunderland sink to third straight defeat against Swansea

How typical of Sunderland. Just when you think things could only get better, they immediately got worse. 

Sunderland sank to a third defeat in a row, this time at the Stadium of Light against Swansea, but in truth they beat themselves more than anything. 

A totally horrendous first half showing was embarrassing for everyone. Things improved in the second half, but the 2-1 defeat was thoroughly deserved. 

Here is how we rated those involved. 

Sunderland player ratings vs Swansea

Anthony Patterson – Sunderland are conceding too many goals from his parries. Something that needs looking at. 5

Trai Hume – Could have been a lot better on the ball but as combative as ever. 6

Jenson Seelt – Did quite well for the most part, but a level or two short of Dan Ballard on this evidence. 5

Luke O’Nien – Scored a goal but made a big costly mistake at the other end. Real mixed bag from the skipper. 5

Leo Hjelde – Not convinced by him at all yet. Another iffy performance. 5

Callum Styles – Made a decent impression on debut, especially since he was used in about four different positions in 35 minutes. 6

Dan Neil – Some very nice touches but involved in the mistake for the second goal. 6

Pierre Ekwah – Probably the pick of the players for Sunderland on the day. Most completed passes, most chances created and bagged an assist too. Still not physical enough though. 7

Abdoullah Ba – The only Sunderland player to play well in the first half really. 6

Jobe Bellingham – Never stopped running and always involved. Just a little short of his best, though. 6

Nazariy Rusyn – A constant menace with his running power alone. Was interesting seeing him in wider positions. 6

Substitutes 

Romaine Rundle - Didn't really sparkle. 5

Chris Rigg - Definitely made his presence, and his quality, felt. 6

Luis Hemir - Why on earth are Sunderland not starting this guy? Looks a different player to the one that started the season. 6

Adil Aouchiche - Nice to see that he's still alive but didn't really do much. 5

Manager

Mike Dodds - Not the (third) start that he would have wanted. Tactically Sunderland were a bit of an embarrassment first half. You can tell the players want to play for him, though. 4

Referee

Keith Stroud - Didn't get anything major wrong yet still a deeply irritating presence on a football pitch. 7

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