Player ratings

ANTHONY PATTERSON – 6

Claimed a couple of really dangerous set plays late on, which was crucial. Had struggled a bit up until that point with some erratic distribution.

DAN BALLARD – 7

Stepped out with the ball really well in the second half which helped Sunderland push Bristol City back. Made one tremendous late block to deny Weimann a certain goal.

DANNY BATTH – 7

Looked a touch uncertain at times with Sunderland conceding a couple of sloppy goals, but won his fair share of aerial duels.

DENNIS CIRKIN – 7

Came through a tricky first half to defend well and help get his side over the line.

LYNDEN GOOCH – 7

Tenacious defensively and had a really good second half, particularly late on when Bristol City tried to apply pressure.

CORRY EVANS – 7

Took a yellow card in the first minute so did very well to manage that through the game. Looked a little off the pace in the first half but very, very good in the second.

DAN NEIL – 7

Struggled in the opening exchanges with some loose passes but settled and had some very good touches in the second half. Got on top of his duels.

JACK CLARKE – 8

What a start to the season he has had. Cleared one off the line in the first half and caused carnage down Bristol’s right flank in the second. Forced Nigel Pearson to change both his defenders on that side but it made no difference.

ALEX PRITCHARD – 9

Two superb assists, the first of which was as good as you will see. Split the defence open and got his side instantly back on level terms. Good throughout but went to a different gear in the second half.

ELLIS SIMMS – 9

Handed his full debut and promptly thumped pretty much his first touch into the bottom corner. A brilliant debut, a constant menace, and would have had a hattrick if not for some terrific goalkeeping.

ROSS STEWART – 8

Deserved his goal after a brilliant all-round performance. His running caused Bristol City problems all day and created space for Simms.

Subs

ELLIOT EMBLETON – 6

AJI ALESE – 7

LEON DAJAKU – 6