How Sunderland's players rated in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea City:

6 Patterson: Unfortunate for first goal after initially making excellent save. No protection in front. Almost scored stunning equaliser in dying seconds.

5 Hume: Swansea had plenty of joy down the flanks in first half and opening goal came from cross from Hume’s side. Improved after change of shape.

4 Seelt: Never settled and struggled to get to grips with movement of Cullen and Placheta.

4 O’Nien: Cheaply conceded possession in build-up to second goal. Gave the ball away repeatedly in first half. Scored consolation.

4 Hjelde: Ronald had the better of Hjelde and Styles down that flank.

4 Styles: Difficult debut. Repeatedly caught behind as wing-back and ineffective when pushed to right of midfield after tactical change.

5 Neil: Couldn’t get a grip of the game in the first half as Swansea poured forward. Better after the break.

6 Ekwah: Sunderland’s best outfield player. Tried to drive home side on, went close early in second half and delivered cross for O’Nien goal.

4 Bellingham: Didn’t look comfortable in shape. Off the pace and looks in need of a break.

4 Ba: Likes playing off the left but didn’t take his chance in Clarke’s absence. Careless in possession. Replaced in second half.

5 Rusyn: Was at least lively and had a couple of tame efforts. Didn’t have much service.

Substitutes:

5 Mundle (for Styles, 60): Tough game to make an impact from the bench.

Hemir (for Ruysn, 72): N/A

Rigg (for Ba, 72): N/A

Aouchiche (for Hjelde, 85): N/A

Subs not used: Bishop, Pembele, Burstow, Kelly, Lavery

Swansea: Rushworth 7, Naughton 6 (Darling, 89), Canango 6, Wood 7, Tymon 7; Grimes 7, Allen 8 (Fulton, 63), Placheta 7, Patterson 7 (Yates, 63), Ronald 8 (Cooper, 89), Cullen 7 (Patino, 79)

Subs not used: Fisher, Kukharevych, Sagoe Jr, Lissah

Man of the Match: Joe Allen. Rolled back the years and showed his class with sublime midfield display.