A defeat for Moyes while Karanka sees his side pick up their first victory after their return to the Premier League, but how did the players fare?
Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore in action with Middlesbrough’s Emilio Nsue
Sunderland
Victor Mannone – 7/10
Could do nothing for either of the goals, made some good saves keeping his team in the game as well as commanding his area from counter attacks and corners.
Donald Love – 5/10
Will need time to bed in at this level, he was solid for spells however he will be disapointed to not tuck inside his centre back to prevent Alvaro Negredo teeing up Cristhian Stuani for his second.
Papy Djilobodji – 5/10
First half showed the defender’s frailties, where he showed his vulnerabilities. The second half saw Boro sit deeper where he showed good distribution to start attacks.
John O’Shea – N/A
Patrick van Aanholt – 7/10
Sunderland’s stand out performer in the game, always looking to be positive on the overlap which saw the Dutchman get on the score sheet.
Adnan Januzaj – 6.5/10
First half he was one of the better players on the field with his directness although second half he gradually faded, if he wants to be a hit in the North East he will have play for 90, not 45.
Jack Rodwell- 5/10
The midfielder covered ground well by intercepting passes and breaking up play however like many midfielders, he has to be better on the ball in terms of his passing and decision making.
Paddy McNair – 5/10
Converted from midfield to defence with the Northern Irishman looking far more comfortable in the back line although half way through the first half, like Donald Love, will need time to get used to play consistently in the Premier League.
Lynden Gooch – 6.5/10
Another player who has benefited from Moyes coming in, Gooch was very lively in the entirety of the game showing his blistering pace and boldness to attack, he will be a player to watch out for as the season goes on.
Duncan Watmore – 7/10
Was at the heart of all the attacks, and played behind the main man Defoe. He was influential whether that was drifting wide or coming deep, his directness caused Boro to retreat and his shot saw van Aanholt score the rebound.
Jermain Defoe – 6/10
Failed to really get in the game, the first half seemed to suit Defoe with Boro playing slightly higher allowing space for him to exploit but with the away side getting deeper it saw less space meaning he has to feed off scraps.
Steven Pienaar – 5/10
Looked like a player who needs a run of games and a few training sessions with his new team mates, showed stints of what he is capable of with neat passes.
Jeremain Lens – 6.5/10
Came on and made a difference to the Sunderland attack, with his bigger build it allowed the players to feed balls into someone and play off him with the likes of Watmore and Januzaj to get on the ball more to create.
Sunderland’s Adnan Januzaj in action with Middlesbrough’s George Friend
Middlesbrough
Brad Guzan – 7/10
A solid display as the goalkeeper made some fantastic saves in the second half, notably from van Aanholt, commanded his area well to relieve pressure on the Boro back line.
Emilio Nsue – 6.5/10
A good performance from the full back, who did well to shut out the pacey Gooch. The right back was effective when on the ball as well as looking to join in on the attacks in the first half.
Antonio Barragan – 7/10 & Ben Gibson – 7/10
The pairing were outstanding for the majority of the game. Sunderland put the defence under a huge amount of pressure for a 10 minute period in particular, however the duo were able to stay compact and solid to deny very little space for Sunderland to exploit.
George Friend – 6.5/10
A tough first half for the captain Friend although he showed intelligence in not allowing Januzaj to have space to let him turn and run, which saw the Belgian go missing for the second 45 minutes. Friend also made some well timed tackles and interceptions .
Adam Forshaw – 7/10
Worked extremely hard to close down midfielders and be a shield for the likes of Gibson and Barragan but has intelligence on the ball to find passes none more so than the telling pass to find Negredo to set up Stuani.
Adam Clayton – 7/10
Very similar to Forshaw who worked hard off the ball as well on it, showed he has the quality to play out when under pressure and link up with the attack.
Cristhian Stuani – 7.5/10
Scored the two crucial goals for Middlesbrough to secure their first victory since returning to the Premier League, also an asset on the ball to slow the game down which was needed when Middlesbrough were under pressure.
Gaston Ramirez – 6/10
Drifted in and out the game, and the former Southampton man was substituted after an hour. He showed intelligence when on the ball but will have to contribute consistently to avoid an early exit.
Stewart Downing – 6.5/10
Another one who faded in and out of the game but when on song, it’s clear to see he is one very few players in the side who has Premier League experience.
Alvaro Negredo – 6.5/10
Showed stints of why he was once of Man City although like many in the attacking ranks at Boro, will have to show consistency for 90 minutes. Good composure when setting up Stuani for his second although did struggle with the physicality of the Sunderland defence to hold the play up.
Albert Adomah 6.5/10
Replaced Gaston Ramirez which injected some pace although it was his defensive duties which will be noted, tracked back for the final half hour and added some protection to the back line when Sunderland were mounting pressure to get back into the game.
Daniel Ayala – N/A
David Nugent – N/A
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson celebrates after the game
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