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.