SUNDERLAND'S five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end with defeat at Brentford.
Here's how the players rated:
6 Roefs: Made his first save after 36 seconds which set the tone for busy night. Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals.
5 Mukiele: Gave the ball away in the build-up to the first goal. Sunderland’s defence looked uncomfortable throughout.
5 Ballard: Challenging night for the centre-half. Strong in the air but Brentford could have scored more than their three.
4 Alderete: A rare off-night for the centre-half, who has been brilliant this season but never settled here and had his worst game in a Sunderland shirt.
5 Hume: Booked in the first half but stuck to his task on a difficult night for the defence. Couldn't get forward.
4 Geertruida: Has been a crucial player for Sunderland during AFCON but was sloppy in possession and couldn’t get a grip of the game. At fault for crucial second goal.
5 Xhaka: Not as influential as he is most weeks. Could perhaps do with rest in FA Cup at weekend.
5 Le Fee: Was Sunderland’s best player but his dreadful decision to try Panenka penalty backfired badly and the momentum swung back in Brentford’s favour.
4 Rigg: Recalled to the side but struggled on the right and it was no surprise when he was replaced shortly after the break.
4 Adingra: Never got into the game and replaced early in the second half. Still struggling for consistency.
6 Brobbey: Very little service or support in the first half and needed help but had one opening. Won the penalty and caused problems early in the second half.
- READ MORE: What Caoimhin Kelleher did after Sunderland's Enzo Le Fee was humiliated at Brentford
Substitutes:
6 Mayenda (for Rigg, 52): Change had immediate impact but Sunderland lost momentum after missed penalty.
6 Mundle (for Adingra, 52): Had a good chance soon after his introduction. Lively.
Cirkin (for Ballard, 79): N/A
Neil (for Geertruida, 79): N/A
O’Nien (for Alderete, 83): N/A
Subs not used: Patterson, Hjelde, H.Jones, Tutierov
BRENTFORD: Kelleher 7; Kayode 7 (Hickey, 82), Ajer 6, Collins 7, Henry 7; Janelt 8, Jensen 8 (Henderson, 76), Yarmoliuk 8; Schade 8, Thiago 9 (Nelson, 82), Lewis-Potter 7 (Damsgaard, 61)
Subs not used: Valdimarsson, van den Berg, Pinnock, Peart-Harris, Donovan
Man of the Match: Thiago. Sunderland couldn’t cope with one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.