Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool player ratings: Who shone and who struggled at the Stadium of Light?
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Liverpool were left ruing the form of Jermain Defoe, as the Sunderland striker struck twice to hand David Moyes' side a share of the spoils at the Stadium of Light.
Jurgen Klopp's men continued their chase of league leaders Chelsea but were unable to take all three points from their trip to the north east, thanks to the veteran striker, who struck his 10th and 11th goals of the season.
Liverpool had twice taken the lead, first thanks to Daniel Sturridge's flicked header, and then Sadio Mane's close range effort.
But the Black Cats showed - two days after a dismal display at Burnley - that they're prepared to fight for their Premier League lives.
So who impressed? Who didn't? Here are Simon Bird's player ratings from the north east:
(Photo: Reuters)
(Photo: Getty Images Europe)
Sunderland
Vito Mannone 8 MOTM
Facing a few weeks in goal with Pickford injured. Made some excellent saves
Donald Love 6
Some robust clearances and kept it simple in face of Liverpool passing game
John O'Shea 6
Organised and still going despite the advancing years.
Papy Djilobodji 6
Lost Lovren at the corner from which Liverpool opened the scoring
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
Patrick Van Aanholt 6
Had a couple of shots that tested Mignolet as he pushed forward.
Fabio Borini 6
Adds energy to the attack after his injury earlier in the season
Jack Rodwell 7
Left the foot in a couple of times but also got some good shots off. Booked.
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
Didier Ndong 7
Won penalty by bursting into box and was Sunderland's best player.
Seb Larsson 7
Played wide on the left of a midfield four and had hands full with Clyne. Booked.
Adnan Januzaj 7
Defence splitting pass to release Defoe in on goal, but striker was smothered
Jermain Defoe 7
Another two goals from the goal machine who now has 11 for the season.
(Photo: Getty Images Europe)
Subs: Manquillo (Rodwell 64), Khazri (Januzaj 77)
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Liverpool
Simon Mignolet 7
Great save at the feet of Jermain Defoe to stop Sunderland taking the lead.
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
Nathaniel Clyne 6
Gave Sunderland nightmares with his pace down the right.
Ragnar Klavan 6
Conceded the penalty that let Sunderland back into the game.
Dejan Lovren 6
His volley set up Sturridge for the opener. Kept busy by Defoe's movement.
James Milner 6
Such a versatile player, and making left back look like his natural position. Subbed at half-time. Booked.
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
Emre Can 6
Sweeping role in front of defence and played it well, launching attacks with his passes.
Georginio Wijnaldum 6
Needs a few more goals - despite the weekend - but caused problems drifting around in front of defence
Sadio Mane 7
Loads of running power and energy from one of the signings of the season. Scored the Reds second. Booked.
(Photo: Liverpool FC via Getty)
Adam Lallana 6
Not as influential as in recent games but has been a star performer in first half of season. Booked.
Roberto Firmino 5
Couple of shots but not too effective against a deep lying defence
Daniel Sturridge 7
Excellent flicked header capped a fine individual show - but was replaced with an injury late on.
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
Subs: Moreno (Milner 45), Origi (Wijnaldum 73), Lucas (Sturridge 80)