Sunderland were left frustrated at the Stadium of Light as they could only manage a draw against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.
The visitors dictated the opening period with Benik Afobe putting the Cherries in front. Despite the dominance of the away side Patrick Van Aanholt drew the hosts level on the stroke of half time following a good pass from Fabio Borini.
Both sides had their chances to win the game in the second half albeit neither team could manage a winning goal. With that in mind, here are the stand-out performers from Saturday's games.
Mixed day in midfield and defence
Vito Mannone (5): Mannone shouldn’t have been beaten so easily for the opening goal, although the defending leading up to the chance was poor. The latter kept Bournemouth at bay with the away side looking to double their lead. Costel Pantilimon’s departure ensured Mannone reclaimed a starting berth, while Jordan Pickford has to settle for a spot on the bench.
Billy Jones (4): It was a poor afternoon for the defender who was wasteful when in possession. Jones thought he had put Sunderland into the lead early in the second half but was denied by Artur Boruc.
John O’Shea (5): The skipper got out-muscled for Bournemouth’s goal with Afobe showing more desire to get to the ball first. After the break O’Shea stood resolute, not giving any real chances away.
Wes Brown (5): Like O’Shea, it was a steady performance from Brown. The defender did allow the South Coast club a major opportunity late on but the chance went just past the post.
Patrick Van Aanholt (7): The left-back just can’t stop scoring at the moment. Van Aanholt latched onto a well timed pass from Borini before converting just before the interval. The former Chelsea player continued to look dangerous going forward, in what has been a terrific spell for the Dutchman.
Lee Cattermole (4): It was another poor performance from Cattermole. Like a lot of his team-mates, he continuously give the ball away and couldn’t get going at all.
Yann M’Vila (5): The Frenchman didn’t cover as much ground as usual and has found himself on a run of bad form. M’Vila was more involved in the second half but had a quiet afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
Attackers fail to excite
Adam Johnson (3): Johnson found himself in a nightmare from start to finish and couldn’t wake up. The former England man give the ball away cheaply on several occasions in what was his worst Sunderland performance to date.
Jeremain Lens (5): Played a part in the equaliser and showed some neat touches throughout. He didn’t look a threat in comparison to his recent outings, however.
Fabio Borini (6): The Italian set up the goal for Van Aanholt but spent more time defending than attacking, with his side being second best all afternoon.
Jermain Defoe (6): The forward didn’t receive any service whatsoever, but did well in what he had to do and went close with a long range effort late on.
Substitutes fail to spark
Duncan Watmore (5): Watmore didn’t have any sort of impact. The youngster tried to make make something happen but was wasteful with his final ball and erratic in his decision making.
Jack Rodwell (5): Rodwell was chucked into the deep end with his side on the back-foot and struggled to make any real impression.