THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in Sky Bet League One.

JACK STEVENS

Hard to see how he could have done better for the goals – those in front of him should have stopped the chances materialising. Distribution was inconsistent, one brilliant save late on from Stewart - 6

SAM LONG

Sloppy in possession at key moments, losing the ball in the build-up to Sunderland’s opener. Clarke got the better of him on a few occasions. Linked well with Sykes – 5.5

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

LUKE MCNALLY

The ball came straight off him and rebounded to Evans for the opener, although he did not know much about it. Great clearance off the line early on and fired just wide in the second half – 6.5

ELLIOTT MOORE

Marked his return with a thumping header and gave United more threat from set-pieces. Coped well with Sunderland’s front three but got dragged across for the winner, creating the space for Embleton - 7

CIARON BROWN

Another very solid display. Sunderland had little joy down his side until Embleton’s goal, when he was left with two players to mark. Won several key tackles and headers, denied by a great save. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5

BILLY BODIN

Influential in the midfield three, brilliant assist for Moore and was never afraid to shoot. Went close twice in the second half and got stuck in more than you might expect – 7.5

Read the match report here

HERBIE KANE

Another game where he had less impact than you would hope. Felt like he saw less of the ball than usual and was therefore unable to create too much. Combative out of possession – 6

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Great to see him return with an energetic display. Tracked back when Sunderland countered and used the ball well, but his late misplaced pass to Stewart should have been punished – 7

MARK SYKES

Denied by a good save early on and he continued in that vein. Flashed several crosses into dangerous areas, although you could argue that more needed to find a yellow shirt. Tired challenge on Matete in the build-up to the winner – 6.5

MATTY TAYLOR

Had very little to feed off. Decent hold-up play, especially with Sykes, but it became increasingly rare as the striker grew isolated. Did not get a shot away all game – 6

NATHAN HOLLAND

Some good moments, although his decision-making needed to be sharper in the final third. Appeared to be tiring before he came off – 6

KARL ROBINSON: Sunderland defeat is bitter pill to swallow

SUBSTITUTES

Gavin Whyte (for Holland, 62)

His cross for Brown deserved a goal. Looked bright on the few occasions he got the ball – 6

Sam Winnall (for Long, 90+1)

Unused: Eastwood, Seddon, Forde, McGuane, Williams.

Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.