Thomas Sorenson - 6 - Wasn't called upon for any major saves but handled well although distribution was ropey
Robert Huth - 7 - Made the transition from full back to centre back soundly and was good on the ball as usual. Did push his luck a little bit with his grappling with Jones
Danny Higginbotham - 7 - Solid as ever and let next to nothing come in from his flank whilst also bombing forward on a couple of occasions but final ball was lacking a little bit.
Ryan Shawcross - 8(Man of the Match) - Kept Jones quiet and although he may have used tactics that were very close to illegal, holding and pulling the shirt at most set pieces, Jones head dropped after half time and Sunderland's minor threat from the first half was gone.
Abdoulaye Faye - 7 - Started well and mopped up one Diao-inflicted spot of danger before picking up a back injury and was forced off prior to half time.
Dean Whitehead - 6 - Moved out to the right wing to accomodate Diao and should have netted within the opening three minute but his effort was weak and easily saved. Was involved in a pat with Cattermole and was maybe lucky to stay on the pitch after lashing out
Matthew Etherington - 6 - Not up to his usual standards but still one of the better options going forward. Pitch didn't help a winger who looks to go past his man and run with the ball but he still managed to link up with Tuncay and Fuller but couldn't produce that killer ball
Salif Diao - 5 - Came back into the side but gace away numerous free kicks and possession. He was thankful to the strong defence behind him that he didn't give away a vital goal. Improvement needed for the next game
Glenn Whelan - 5 - Put himself about but gave away a lot of free kicks and was bundled off the ball by the strong pairing of Cattermole and Cana. Wasn't allowed time to spread the play as he likes and didn't take the opportunity given to him
Mama Sidibe - 6 - Was hoped he could kick on after last weeks great performance at Arsenal but disappointed. Didn't win much in the air and a lack of other options meant much of what he did win was swept up by the Black Cats defence
Tuncay - 7 - Great back heel put Whitehead in on goal. Bobbly pitch and lack of opportunity and support led to a frustrating performance for the Turkish star
Andy Wilkinson - 7 - Was solid at the back and was there to help out Whitehead after donning the armband and slotting in at right back following Faye's injury
Ricardo Fuller - 7 - Was probably the most dangerous player in the final half hour. Went on one run in final minutes that forced Gordon into a good save and his trickery produced a couple of other opportunities as City went for the win
Rory Delap - 6 - Came on late on to try and help us sneak a winner but couldn't muster much with either his feet or his hands