SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):
7 Mannone: Made an excellent first-half save to prevent Vokes from scoring and dominated his area despite Burnley’s aerial threat
7 Manquillo: Returned at right-back and was solid throughout despite coming up against the dangerous Arfield
8 DENAYER: Moved to his preferred position of centre-half and produced his best performance in a Sunderland shirt
6 Djilobodji: Still made the occasional error, but was markedly better than he had been against Burnley at Turf Moor
6 Van Aanholt: Made his usual quota of attacking breaks, although his delivery wasn’t as reliable as it often is
6 Love: Didn’t let himself down as he was shuffled to the base of midfield – helped ensure Barton was not a factor
7 Rodwell: Was Sunderland’s best attacker for much of the game, and almost scored with a shot that Pope tipped over
5 Borini: Another quiet display from the Italian, who is yet to return to anything like the form he displayed in his first spell on Wearside
5 Januzaj: The winger often threatens to do something special, but rarely delivers – desperately needs to work on his end product
5 Larsson: Assumed more attacking responsibilities as he moved to the left of midfield, but rarely threatened the Burnley goal
5 Defoe: A surprise starter given Sunderland’s need to wrap him in cotton wool, but wasn’t a factor as he was closely marked throughout
Subs:
O’Shea (for Larsson, 84)
(not used): Mika (gk), E Robson, Honeyman, Embleton, Asoro, Maja.
BURNLEY (4-4-1-1):
Pope 6; Darikwa 7, Keane 7, TARKOWSKI 8, Ward 7; Gudmundsson 5 (Hendrick 72), Defour 6, Barton 5, Arfield 6 (Kightly 60, 5); Vokes 6; Gray 5 (Barnes 72).
Subs (not used): Robinson (gk), Lowton, Mee, Marney.
Man Of The Match: JASON DENAYER – Sunderland are short of centre-halves, so on this evidence, the 21-year-old might be the best option available to David Moyes as he looks to cover for Lamine Kone.
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