This is how the players were rated at the Cardiff City Stadium…
CARDIFF (4-2-3-1):
Horvath 5; Ng 5, Chambers 5, Goutas 4, O’Dowda 5; Siopis 4, RALLS 6 (Turnbull 78); Tanner 4 (Meite 62, 5), Ramsey 5, Willock 5 (Colwill 78); Robinson 5 (Kanga 68, 6).
Subs (not used): Alnwick (gk), Robertson, Bagan, Fagan-Walcott, Rinomhota.
SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):
7 Patterson: Turned Goutas’ early header around the post, but had surprisingly little to do despite Cardiff’s plentiful possession
7 Hume: Made a couple of his trademark sliding challenges and got the better of his personal battle with Willock
8 O’Nien: Scored Sunderland’s opener, but was even more impressive defensively, making a succession of important clearances
7 Alese: Rock solid alongside O’Nien at the heart of the back four – made a couple of crucial penalty-area blocks
8 Cirkin: His return is a massive boost for Sunderland – strong and aggressive defensively and a threat breaking forward down the flank
8 Browne: Enjoyed an excellent debut as he broke up Cardiff passing moves – his first look tends to be forward when he has the ball
7 Neil: Wore the armband with pride and ensured Cardiff’s midfielders were unable to penetrate the Sunderland backline
6 Roberts: Didn’t see a lot of the ball, but used it well when he had it and delivered the free-kick that led to Sunderland’s goal
6 Bellingham: Wasn’t a major factor in the game, but helped keep Sunderland on the front foot
7 Clarke: Had been quiet for much of the match, but sealed the win with a trademark strike into the bottom corner
6 Mayenda: Showed willing, but struggled to retain possession and directed a great second-half chance too close to Horvath’s foot
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