Here's how Sunderland's players rated in the defeat to Preston:

8 Moore: Made a string of fine saves and was desperately unlucky with Preston’s opener, which only went in thanks to a deflection. Might be disappointed with Preston's second.

6 Johnson: Solid display at right-back. Stuck to his task.

7 Triantis: Read the game well and stepped out of the defence. The best of Sunderland’s defenders.

6 Hjelde: Unconvincing display from the former Leeds man on the back of an impressive pre-season.

5 Anderson: Never looked comfortable. Was fortunate not to be punished for first half mistake when Moore made excellent save and opening goal came down his left flank.

5 Ekwah: Looked rusty, understandable given his lack of football. Struggled to get into the game.

8 Rigg: Bright and positive display. Comfortable and tidy in possession, always looking forward, linked up well with Aouchiche.

7 Aouchiche: Eye-catching and effective in the first half. His cross for Ba should have led to opener. Looked Sunderland’s most likely route to goal. Faded in the second half.

5 Ba: Missed glorious first half opportunity when the game was goalless. Failed to take his chance.

7 Mundle: Flashes of quality from the winger, who needs to add consistency but troubled Preston with his pace.

6 Rusyn: Worked hard but too often ran down blind alleys. Never looked like scoring.

Substitutes:

6 Jones (for Rigg, 70): On for his debut.

Bennette (for Ba, 81): N/A

Watson (for Aouchiche, 81): N/A

Hemir (for Rusyn, 81) N/A

Subs not used: Nna Noukeu, Neil, O'Nien, Hume, Crompton

Preston: Woodman 7; Storey 6, Lindsay 6, Hughes 7, Potts 8, Ledson 7, Whiteman 7 (Holmes, 68), Brady 6 (Greenwood, 57), Frokjaer 7 (Kesler-Hayden, 74), Keane 7 (Thordarson, 68), Riis 7(Osmajic, 68)

Subs not used: Cornell, Bauer, Whatmough, Best

Man of the Match: Simon Moore. Good display from Sunderland’s summer signing. Games will be hard to come by for the keeper this season but showed he’s a very safe pair of hands if called upon.