SUNDERLAND (4-3-3):
7 Pickford: Didn’t have a chance with any of Palace’s goals and made a fine second-half save to deny Puncheon
4 Manquillo: Looked uncomfortable for long periods and senselessly conceded the free-kick that led to Palace’s winner
5 Kone: Never looked particularly comfortable against Benteke and failed to lead his back four in the crucial closing stages
4 Djilobodji: Another error-strewn display from a player who is repeatedly failing to live up to his £8m price tag
4 Van Aanholt: Looked like the troubles of the last week had caught up with him as he was at fault for Palace’s first two goals
7 Ndong: One of the few bright spots from the opening weeks of the season – getting better and better with each performance
5 Kirchhoff: Uncharacteristically sloppy as he allowed Benteke to brush him aside as he powered home Palace’s winner
5 Cattermole: Struggled to prevent Palace’s midfielders from breaking forward and couldn’t hold his team together late on
4 Januzaj: Another disappointing display from a player who is yet to live up to his billing – continues to look physically weak
8 DEFOE: Where on earth would Sunderland be without him? Took his two goals superbly and is clearly his side’s best player
5 Pienaar: Could only manage 15 minutes before a muscular injury forced him to leave the field
Subs:
5 Watmore (for Pienaar, 15): Remains infuriating – boasts plenty of pace and potential, but his decision-making lets him down
Anichebe (for Januzaj, 85)
McNair (for Cattermole, 85)
(not used): Mika (gk), Denayer, O’Shea, Khzari.
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-1-4-1):
Mandanda 6; Ward 5, Tomkins 6, Delaney 5, Kelly 5 (Fryers 75); Ledley 6; Puncheon 7, McARTHUR 8, Cabaye 5 (Wickham 72), Townsend 7; C Benteke 8.
Subs (not used): Hennessey (gk), Wynter, Lee, Mutch, Sako.
Man Of The Match: JAMES McARTHUR – He might be one of the least heralded of Palace’s midfielders, but his driving runs were influential throughout and he scored a fine headed goal.
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