Dan Bentley - 6
First appeared saveable. Made a crucial save on the stroke on half-time to keep the team's level. Perhaps feel he could have kept out Sunderlands' second that went through his legs. A brilliant point-blank save to deny Sunderland scoring a third.
Zak Vyner (off 66, Klose)- 4
Another assist for the centre-back who got forward well to pick out Weimann. Struggled to deal with Simms all game, should have done better for Sunderland's equaliser when the forward got the better of him. Came off for Klose in the second half.
Kal Naismith - 5
Was challenged by the Sunderland striker in the opening five minutes which led to the goal. Atoned for his error with some crucial tackles in the area. Struggled to deal with the pace of Simms and Stewart with their runs in behind.
Rob Atkinson - 6
Played almost as a midfielder as he looked to step forward when he had the ball at his feet. Defensively solid although lost possession on a handful of occasions.
Mark Sykes (off 66, Wilson) - 6
Got forward well on numerous occasions to get his crosses away. Positionally caused some confusion alongside Vyner and Sunderland appeared to target his side to a degree of success.
Jay Dasilva (off 88, Wells) - 6
Very quiet by his standards, although much of Sunderland's attacks came down the other flank suggesting Alex Neil was eager to target the right. Would have liked him to provide more quality in the final third.
Han-Noah Massengo (off 76, Conway) - 5
Energetic in midfield and refreshing to see him look to run forward when picking up the ball. Took too many touches on too many occasions leading him to lose possession. Outnumbered in midfield.
Joe Williams - 6
Picked up a booking in the first half, struggled to keep up with the pace of the game initially but improved as it went on. Lovely piece of skill to feed Martin but the striker failed to hit the target.
Alex Scott - 7
Some superb passages of play including a mazy run inside the area before almost assisting Martin. City's best player on the park for long periods.
Andi Weimann - 6
Two in two for the Austrian who kept his composure to score an instant equaliser. Made dangerous runs but was quiet in the second half as he lacked service.
Chris Martin - 6
Almost fired City ahead in the first half when his strike was cleared off the line. Wasn't going to miss a second time when he bundled in the second from Sykes' cross. Should have made it 3-3 but somehow missed from close range.
Substitutes
Kane Wilson (on 66, Sykes) - 6
Looked more assured than Sykes but was still handed a tough test up against Jack Clarke. Played almost as a forward in the final 15 minutes.
Timm Klose (on 66, Vyner) - 6
Relatively resolute on his introduction although failed to stop Sunderland scoring a third.
Tommy Conway (on 76, Massengo) - 6
Couldn't influence the game on his introduction as Sunderland kept men back to hold onto their victory.
Nahki Wells (on 88, Dasilva) - N/A
Subs not used: O'Leary, King
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