Sunderland 2-3 Fulham: Player ratings as spirited Black Cats lose FA Cup replay

Sunderland came up against Premier League opposition at the Stadium of light on Wednesday and certainly gave a good account of themselves in defeat.

Fulham arrived on Wearside in fine form and flying-high in the Premier League, and they led from the front all night.

However, goals from Jack Clarke and Jewison Bennette made for an interesting cup-tie and Sunderland were far from disgraced.

Here is how the players rated.

Sunderland player ratings vs Fulham (4-2-3-1)

GK: Anthony Patterson - Far from his best night and will be really disappointed with the first goal. 5

RB: Trai Hume - Loads to love about his game. Not great with the ball, but wonderfully ferocious without it. 7

CB: Dan Ballard - Looks more and more like a Premier League level centre back every week. Only a matter of time, surely? 7

CB: Danny Batth - Good performance from the captain and provided some crucial experience to the side. 7

LB: Aji Alese - One of his best games for Sunderland. really strong presence down the left-hand side. 7

CM: Dan Neil - Will be a valuable lesson for him about Premier League level. Often wanted one touch too many and you don't get the time against that kind of opposition. 6

CM: Edouard Michut - He was busy and the referee never did him any favours. Up against some giants but his touch rarely let him down. 6

RM: Patrick Roberts - Showed flashes of what he can do rather than his usual constant torment of defences. 6

AM: Amad Diallo - Similar to Roberts really, but always looked capable of doing something. 6

LM: Jack Clarke - A frustrating player but he came alive in the second half. Absolutely lovely goal too. 7

CF: Abdoullah Ba - Really tough night for him in an unfamiliar position against Premier League centre-backs. Never gave up though, which is to his credit. 6

Substitutes

Alex Pritchard: Did okay and added some quality. Just nice to see him back really. 6

Luke O'Nien: Was anyone else really disappointed he wasn't just tossed in up front?! Nice cameo in midfield though and added some real energy. 7

Jewison Bennette: Looked good on the right and tucked away his goal nicely. 6

Pierre Ekwah: A heavy first touch on occasion but have to remember it was only his third ever senior game. Plenty to like. 6

Chris Rigg: Must have been great for him to be involved again. Love seeing the club trust these kids. N/A