Player ratings

THORBEN HOFFMANN

Caught out for the opening goal, failing to deal with the long ball and allowing Dion Charles to score. Distribution was erratic early on and that did little to help a side struggling to build any kind of platform. 3

CARL WINCHESTER

Did make some decent drives forward through the first half, none of which came to much. Dapo Afolayan caused Sunderland constant problems cutting in from the left flank. 3

DANNY BATTH

One of the better performers on the day until his own goal, though that says little. Generally won most of his duels, but had one or two nervy moments in possession before heading past Hoffman late on. 4

CALLUM DOYLE

Struggled in possession against the Bolton press and defensively struggled against the impressive Charles. A chastening afternoon. 3

DENNIS CIRKIN

Regularly beaten by Marlon Fossey in the early stages, Sunderland too often exposed down the left flank. Brought off in the aftermath of the third goal.

3 DAN NEIL

Could not get up to speed of Bolton’s midfield and caught in possession too often. Unable to impose himself. 3

CORRY EVANS

One of the steadier performers early on, making some good interventions and breaking forward on occasions. Faded as Bolton extended their lead. 4

LEON DAJAKU

Barely threatened in the final third, as Sunderland failed to build any kind of attacking momentum. 4

ELLIOT EMBLETON

Looked a threat with his pressing in the first 15 minutes or so, but Sunderland were unable to test the opposition goalkeeper at any stage. Ineffective in the end. 3

LYNDEN GOOCH

Unable to make much of the rare possession he saw in the final third during the first half and struggled to contain Fossey going back towards goal. 3

ROSS STEWART

Service virtually non-existent and unable to get any joy in his individual battles with the impressive Ricardo Santos. 4 Substitutes

JACK CLARKE

On for Neil, 53. 5

ALEX PRITCHARD

On for Cirkin, 53. 4

PATRICK ROBERTS

On for Dajaku, 66. 5