Sunderland played their part in a thrilling FA Cup fourth round replay against Fulham - but the Black Cats ultimately lost out to their Premier League opponents. The sides drew 1-1 in the initial tie at Craven Cottage ten days ago, and were meeting for a second time for the right to face Leeds United at home in the final 16 of the competition.
Fulham took the lead after only eight minutes through Harry Wilson, and sub Andreas Pereira doubled their advantage on the hour. Jack Clarke halved the deficit with a little over ten minutes remaining to give Sunderland hope.
But Layvin Kurzawa scored five minutes later to restore Fulham's two-goal advantage. Sunderland were not done yet, however, and sub Jewison Bennette scored in the 90th minute, but the Black Cats could not force an equaliser to take the tie into extra-time.
READ MORE: Sunderland bow out of FA Cup after thrilling fourth round replay against Fulham on Wearside
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
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Anthony Patterson 6
Might have done better with the first goal, but otherwise did well
Trai Hume 6
Had a tough night against Solomon but got better as the game went on
Dan Ballard 7
Excellent at the back alongside Batth
Danny Batth 7
A strong performance at the heart of defence
Aji Alese 6
Another good display at left-back
Edouard Michut 7
Used the ball well in midfield and was quick to join in the attack
Dan Neil 7
Worked hard alongside Michut and also sent one effort narrowly wide in the second half
Patrick Roberts 7
Always a threat, and only a brilliant save from Rodak denied him a goal
Jack Clarke 7
Impressed on the left and produced a good finish for Sunderland's first goal
Abdoullah Ba 7
Caused Fulham problems whenever he was on the ball
Amad 7
A box of tricks whenever he was on the ball, he never gave the Fulham defence a moment's peace
Subs
Luke O'Nien 6
For Neil 64mins. Eased back into action after serving his three-game ban
Alex Pritchard 6
For Roberts 64mins. Did OK when he came on
Jewison Bennette 6
For Amad 71mins. Scored the goal to make it 3-2 and give Sunderland late hope
Pierre Ekwah 6
For Michut 71mins. Solid in central midfield
Chris Rigg N/A
For Ba 79mins
Not used: Bass, Kelly, Johnson, Watson
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