Sunderland again dropped down to the bottom of the table with their 2-0 loss against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. After two back to back wins in the last two weeks, the Black Cats travelled to Anfield earlier today, a ground where they have not won since 1983 in the League. It was always going to be a tough game for the Wearsiders but Liverpool being held by Southampton to a 0-0 draw last week gave some hope to David Moyes, who never won at the famous ground with either Everton or Manchester United.
As Moyes promised before the game, Sunderland parked a ‘double-decker bus’ against the Reds. The Black Cats did their job with perfection until the 75th minute when Divock Origi scored from a tight angle with an excellent curler. There seemed to be no way back for Sunderland after that and James Milner killed the game from the spot on added time.
With Swansea winning against Crystal Palace in a 5-4 thriller, Sunderland again find themselves bottom with just eight points. They did keep the shape for a long time but in vain. Here are the Sunderland player ratings from the game.
Jordan Pickford: 7/10
You gotta admire the young keeper who did so well but finally got beaten by an outstanding Origi strike. The youngster seems assured under the bar and his long-range picks to help his side catch Liverpool on the break were superb too.
Billy Jones: 7/10
The right-back had a good game defensively. Was not asked to bomb forward and he did not. Did not let too many crosses come in from his side.
Lamine Kone: 7/10
2 tackles, 6 interceptions and 9 clearances- his good performance was one of the reasons why Sunderland held Liverpool for so long.
John O’Shea: 6.5/10
Gave away some cheap free kicks but otherwise was solid.
Patrick van Aanholt: 5/10
The Dutchman is usually solid while going forward but had a poor game against Liverpool. Poor decision making from him saw a few counter attacks being stopped by Liverpool.
Didier N’dong: 5/10
Was pretty energetic and tenacious but passing was poor (just 79%). Gave away a silly penalty.
Jason Denayer: 3/10
Not sure why was he even on the pitch. Moyes probably started him to get bodies in midfield but he did not even provide that.
Steven Pienaar: 4/10
Was horrible throughout the game. Poor passing (56.3%) from the former Everton star. A player with his experience is expected to do much better.
Duncan Watmore: 5/10
Was beaten too easily by Origi for the goal. A heavy touch from him let Sunderland down while attacking.
Jermain Defoe: 5/10
Looked isolated up front. Had good movement on occasions but never got the service.
Victor Anichebe: 7/10
Worked hard for the team going up and down. His strength was influential in the chances Sunderland had.
Substitutes
Adnan Januzaj: NA
Lynden Gooch: NA
