How did the players rate in Sunderland's 2-0 win over Plymouth?


SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):

7 McLaughlin: Made an important second-half save from Songo’o and was always comfortable claiming crosses into the box

8 O’NIEN: Continues to be a revelation in his new right-back berth – effective in both an attacking and defensive capacity

7 Flanagan: Held the defence together effectively and made a couple of important challenges to halt Plymouth breaks

6 Dunne: Tested Letheren with a first-half header, but continues to suffer from the occasional shaky moment at the back

7 James: Provides a solid presence on the left of the back four and linked effectively with McGeady ahead of him

7 Leadbitter: Has slotted in seamlessly since returning from Middlesbrough with his neat passing now an integral part of Sunderland’s play

8 Cattermole: Few would have had him down as a goalscoring talisman, but he has added another valuable string to his bow

8 Morgan: Ran the Plymouth defence ragged down the right-hand side and set up Cattermole’s goal with a deflected cross

7 Honeyman: Settled things as he swept home with three minutes left and was an energetic presence at the heart of midfield

8 McGeady: His technical ability makes him stand out a mile at this level – looked like creating something whenever he was on the ball

6 Grigg: Still hasn’t quite got his goalscoring radar sorted, but his all-round play more than justifies his continued presence in the starting side


Subs:

5 Watmore (for Morgan, 66): His energy caused Plymouth problems, but he wasted a three-on-one break with a dreadful pass

Wyke (for Grigg, 90)

Gooch (for McGeady, 90)

(not used): Ruiter (gk), Matthews, Ozturk, Power.


PLYMOUTH (4-3-3):

LETHEREN 7 (Macey 80); Smith-Brown 6, Edwards 5, Canavan 5, Sawyer 4; Songo’o 5, Fox 5, Threlkeld 6 (Taylor 70, 4); Lameiras 4 (Anderson 80), Ladapo 4, Carey 5.

Subs (not used): Riley, Ness, Jones, Wootton.


Man Of The Match: LUKE O’NIEN – With performances like this, it is no wonder the summer signing has quickly established himself as a firm fans’ favourite.