We rate the players in the game between Sunderland and Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

By Abhishek Mehrotra

Sunderland

Craig Gordon - 9

One of the goalkeeping performances of the season. Gordon repelled shot after shot as City threatened to steamroll Sunderland. Reflex saves, long range saves, lucky saves - Gordon put on a keeping masterclass that will surely be replayed for the rest of the season.

John Mensah - 6.5

It seemed like an easy afternoon out for Mensah as City struggled to create much in the first half. However, Mensah endured a torrid last 45 minutes with City mounting attack after attack. Credit to him - he stook up well to the pressure although his closing down of players was not as quick as it should have been.

Michael Turner - 3.5

Was lucky that his errors did not cost Steve Bruce the match. Was caught out repeatedly by through balls and it was only the excellent Gordon who saved him the blushes.

Anton Ferdinand - 5.5

Put in a good shift in what was an unnatural habitat for him. Led the Black Cats' forays from left back and showed that he has some good crosses in him.

Alan Hutton - 6

Stood up well against Gareth Barry when the latter was playing up in midfield. Once Viera came on in the second half however, Hutton found himself in all sorts of trouble against the crafty Frenchman's diagonal balls.

Kieran Richardson - 4

Was full of energy and initiative in the first half - and his set-piece delivery was very good, bringing Kenwywne Jones into play time and again. Mopped up well at the back also.

David Meyler - 3.5

Was systematically picked apart by City's classy midfield - who left him chasing shadows. Could not get to the ball at all and was reduced to lunging in with some mistimed tackles.

Steed Malbranque - 6.5

Pulled all the strings from Sunderland's midfield in the first half and delivered a lovely ball for Kenwyne Jones to head home. Curbed his attacking instincts as City grew dominant in the second, staying back to help his defence out of some tough situations.

Frazier Campbell - 6

Linked up well with his forwards - and teased City at the edge of their area frequently in the first half. His control worsened as the match progressed and City applied pressure. Lost possession easily and allowed his opponents to launch their attacks.

Kenwyne Jones - 7.5

It is no co-incidence that Sunderland look most threatening when the lanky striker was on the pitch. His goal was a superbly placed header from between the two central defenders that left Shay Given with no chance. Unfortunate that he was injured and that left Sunderland's attack looking undercooked.

Darren Bent - 4

Was nowhere as effective as his striking partner - and struggled to keep control of the ball in the box.

Subs

Jordan Henderson - 6.5

Did a good replacement job when he came on for Kenwyne Jones in the second half. Whatever little attacking threat Sunderland possessed in the latter part of the game came from him. Never stopped chasing the ball and won some great aerial battles against Kompany and Lescott.

Boudeweijn Zenden - n.a

Phillip Bardsley - n.a

Manchester City

Shay Given - 5.5

Was not worked hard enough but did show great urgency in the second half with his swift distribution.

Joleon Lescott - 6

Should have done much better when Jones sandwiched himself in between Lescott and his defensive partner Vincent Kompany. Showed good anticipation to snuff out a few threatening moves later on in the game.

Vincent Kompany - Did a steady job with Lescott although he would have been relieved when Jones failed to appear at the restart.

Wayne Bridge - n.a

Was mysteriously subbed early on in the game.

Micah Richards - 6.5

Was City's only player who showed a desire to get into the opposition half in the first 45 mins to try and spark something. Played a good supporting role as City's attacking players asserted themselves later on. Used his body strength well against the Sunderland strikers to keep them at bay.

Nigel De Jong - 6

Nicked the ball from Malbranque and Campbell expertly and set City on their way with some fantastic passes.

Gareth Barry - 7

Showed his versatility by moving from midfield to defence seamlessly. His understanding with Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips bordered on the telepathic at times and he gave City the much needed thrust in the second half.

Pablo Zabaleta - 4

Had a fairly quiet game and failed to impose himself on proceedings. Got bullied by Richardson and lost the ball often.

Craig Bellamy - 7

Used his pace to get in behind the defence but spurned some glorious chances to score. Was slightly selfish in trying to go for goal himself when squaring or cutting the ball back to a better placed player would have been a better option.

Shaun Wright-Phillips - 6.5

Some of his runs were quite superbly timed. Played off the shoulder of the last defender and took advantage of some excellent passing by Barry to get in on goal. Could not find the final killer ball or shot to make his efforts count.

Carlos Tevez - 5.5

The Argentinian had a frustrating outing. Could not hussle and harry the defenders like he normally does. On the few occasions when he managed to get the better of them - Gordon pulled off some sensational saves to deny him.

Subs

Roque Santa Cruz - 3

Probably the worst player on the pitch - showing no vision or positional sense whatsoever. Blazed or scuffed his shots badly and can he considered responsible for City not taking all three points.

Patrick Viera - 7.5

Had a significant impact on proceedings, anticipating the runs of the forwards and picking them out with some lovely floaters. City looked far more likely to score once he came onto the pitch.

Adam Johnson - 8

His performance left one mystified as to why he did not start the game. Gave Ferdinand some real headaches on the right and topped off a great display with a sumptuous curler that even Gordon could not save.