Vaesen - Good return - Didn't look like a keeper that hadn't played Premiership football for almost two-and-a-half years.
Melchiot - Best game he's played this season?
Martin Taylor - Excellent - getting better with every game played.
Cunningham - Solid as a rock
Upson - Played well in an unaccustomed left back role.
Johnson - Workmanlike as always.
Izzet - Superb again. Beginning to show why we bought him at long last.
Kilkenny - Not one of his better games.
Jarosik - Some decent touches but did little in supporting Heskey.
Dunn - Noticeably tired after half time but how good it is to see him back.
Heskey - Worked hard as a lone striker first half, looked a lot better second half when partnered with Pandiani.
Subs:
Pennant - Changed the game with his wing play and superb crossing.
Pandiani - Caused the Sunderland back four all kinds of trouble and unlucky not to have got himself on the scoresheet.
Gray - Goal will give him confidence.
Subs not used: Maik Taylor, Clemence.