Here's how Sunderland's players rated at Sheffield United:

SHEFF UTD (4-2-3-1):

COOPER 8; Gilchrist 6, Souttar 4, Robinson 6, Burrows 5 (Norrington-Davies 87); Peck 6, Souza 6; Rak-Sakyi 6 (Davies 76), O’Hare 5 (Seriki 46, 6), Hamer 7 (McCallum (90+3); Campbell 6 (One 76).

Subs (not used): Davies (gk), Shackleton, Marsh, Brooks.

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):

7 Patterson: Made two good second-half saves and dealt with crosses well – didn’t have a chance with the goal

6 Hume: Moved back to the right and delivered a solid performance in both defence and attack

4 Mepham: The red card was a harsh one, but he gave the referee a decision to make with a fairly reckless challenge

7 Ballard: Did very well as part of a three-man backline for most of the second half and kept Campbell quiet

5 O’Nien: Typically whole-hearted out of position on the left, but his errant pass sparked the move that led to Mepham’s dismissal

6 Neil: Slotted into the back four on occasion during the second half and tried to keep Sunderland on the front foot

6 Bellingham: Pushed forward more in the second half, but wasn’t really able to fashion a genuine opening

5 Roberts: His penalty wasn’t a dreadful one, but it wasn’t quite close enough to the corner to beat Cooper

6 Rigg: Showed flashes of inspiration, but wasn’t quite able to unlock the Sheffield United defence

8 WATSON: The best player on the pitch, particularly in the first half when he caused a succession of problems for the Blades backline

6 Isidor: Got himself into some good positions, although perhaps didn’t quite have the composure to make the most of them

Subs:

Mayenda (for Roberts, 77)

Alese (for Watson, 77)

Aouchiche (for Rigg, 84)

Connolly (for Isidor, 84)

(not used): Moore (gk), Hjelde, Johnson, Aleksic, Rusyn.

Man Of The Match: TOMMY WATSON – Sunderland’s teenage winger didn’t deserve to finish on the losing team after a dazzling display.