Vito Mannone Reading’s hero, while Sunderland replacement Jason Steele struggles

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Jason Steele was far from convincing again for Sunderland – but that can’t be said of Vito Mannone, as he inspired Reading’s win over Leeds United.

Sunderland supporters don’t need reminding that the club’s recruitment has left a lot to be desired in recent seasons, and The Black Cats’ transfer market failings were more evident than ever on Saturday afternoon.

While Jordan Steele once again struggled to convince between the sticks as Sunderland were held at home by Queens Park Rangers, the man he replaced at the Stadium of Light once again emerged as the hero for his new club.

Vito Mannone’s stoppage time penalty save to deny Pablo Hernandez ensured Reading ended a poor run of results with an impressive 1-0 win away at Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. And it’s not the first time the former Arsenal youngster has prevented The Royals from dropping crucial points since he moved to the Madejski over the summer for just £2 million.

Cheap replacement struggles

And Sunderland supporters could once again be forgiven for wondering what their club was thinking. After all, Simon Grayson may be crying out for a goalkeeper who stands up to be counted in crucial moments, with neither Steele nor Robbin Ruiter doing enough to impress this season.

Ruiter, a free transfer from FC Twente, has pulled off the odd wondersave, but continues to undermine his reputation with basic errors. And Steele, who took Ruiter’s place between the sticks for the 1-1 draw with QPR on Saturday, also did little to convince.

The former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper, who represented Team GB at the 2012 Olympics, made a number of saves to deny QPR what would have been a deserved victory on Wearside. But his unconvincing execution had Sunderland supporters on edge all afternoon, while his distribution clearly requires huge improvements.

Mannone, on the other hand, is far from a faultless shot-stopper – but his heroics at Elland Road should have Sunderland wondering why on earth they decided to sell.