Premier League
Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United 

Saturday, 31st October 2009
by Gordon Thrower

A long trip up north returning with a point. So why was the experience less than totally satisfactory?



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Player Ratings

Robert Green
Looked a little flat-footed for the second, though earlier saves had kept us in the lead. Better than of late.


Jonathan Spector
Looked dodgy all day and his failure to track back rendered him at least partly culpable for the equaliser. If we are in a position to bring in a player or two in January, this is one position that should be a priority.


Herita Ilunga
Distribution left much to be desired and I?EUR(TM)ve docked him a point for his unnecessary reaction to Jones?EUR(TM) push ?EUR" the Sunderland man was walking anyway.


James Tomkins
Usually so good in the air he struggled a bit in this one.


Matthew Upson
Battled against Bent ?EUR" we can be grateful that it was Bent rather than someone useful.


Radoslav Kovac
Although hideously unlucky to be sent off, he had a poor game and looks as if he?EUR(TM)d have difficulty finding a team mate in an all-West Ham training kickabout at the moment.


Mark Noble
Some good play on occasions but, as has been the case for much of this season, it?EUR(TM)s been sporadic at best. I still think he needs a rest.


Jack Collison
Excellent in the first half, he got caught in possession far too much in the second for my liking.


Valon Behrami
Got through a few more miles but was having to do a lot of chasing in the second half.


Guillermo Franco
Took the goal well and was unlucky not to add a second. Tired a bit too quickly though.


Carlton Cole
Caused Sunderland all sorts of problems. Picked up another ridiculous booking from a ref who, by that time, had clearly lost the plot.



Substitutes

Alessandro Diamanti
(Replaced Behrami, 72 mins) A few good passes and one half-decent shot.


Zavon Hines



Peter Kurucz
Did not play.


Julien Faubert
Did not play.


Danny Gabbidon
Did not play.


Luis Jimenez
Did not play.


Junior Stanislas
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Herita Ilunga, James Tomkins, Matthew Upson, Radoslav Kovac, Mark Noble, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami, Guillermo Franco, Carlton Cole.

Goals: Guillermo Franco 30 Carlton Cole 36                .

Booked: Radoslav Kovac 37 Herita Ilunga 45 Carlton Cole 60      .

Sent Off: Radoslav Kovac 87    .

Sunderland: Gordon, Turner, Da Silva, Nosworthy, Henderson, Richardson, Cana, Malbranque, Reid, Jones, Bent.

Subs not used: Fulop, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Healy, Meyler, Murphy.

Goals: Reid (39), Richardson (76).

Booked: Cana (11), Bent (25), Turner (40).

Sent off: None.

Referee: Andre Marriner.

Attendance: 39,033.

Man of the Match: Carlton Cole.