How typical of Sunderland. Just when you think things could only get better, they immediately got worse.
Sunderland sank to a third defeat in a row, this time at the Stadium of Light against Swansea, but in truth they beat themselves more than anything.
A totally horrendous first half showing was embarrassing for everyone. Things improved in the second half, but the 2-1 defeat was thoroughly deserved.
Here is how we rated those involved.
Sunderland player ratings vs Swansea
Anthony Patterson – Sunderland are conceding too many goals from his parries. Something that needs looking at. 5
Trai Hume – Could have been a lot better on the ball but as combative as ever. 6
Jenson Seelt – Did quite well for the most part, but a level or two short of Dan Ballard on this evidence. 5
Luke O’Nien – Scored a goal but made a big costly mistake at the other end. Real mixed bag from the skipper. 5
Leo Hjelde – Not convinced by him at all yet. Another iffy performance. 5
Callum Styles – Made a decent impression on debut, especially since he was used in about four different positions in 35 minutes. 6
Dan Neil – Some very nice touches but involved in the mistake for the second goal. 6
Pierre Ekwah – Probably the pick of the players for Sunderland on the day. Most completed passes, most chances created and bagged an assist too. Still not physical enough though. 7
Abdoullah Ba – The only Sunderland player to play well in the first half really. 6
Jobe Bellingham – Never stopped running and always involved. Just a little short of his best, though. 6
Nazariy Rusyn – A constant menace with his running power alone. Was interesting seeing him in wider positions. 6
Substitutes
Romaine Rundle - Didn't really sparkle. 5
Chris Rigg - Definitely made his presence, and his quality, felt. 6
Luis Hemir - Why on earth are Sunderland not starting this guy? Looks a different player to the one that started the season. 6
Adil Aouchiche - Nice to see that he's still alive but didn't really do much. 5
Manager
Mike Dodds - Not the (third) start that he would have wanted. Tactically Sunderland were a bit of an embarrassment first half. You can tell the players want to play for him, though. 4
Referee
Keith Stroud - Didn't get anything major wrong yet still a deeply irritating presence on a football pitch. 7
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