AFC Bournemouth
Artur Boruc – 7: Did not have a lot to do, but was solid when called upon. Made a good one-on-one save against Defoe.
Simon Francis – 7: Captained Bournemouth in the absence of Tommy Elphick. Got up and down the right side as well as ever. Was strong when he ran with the ball and never compromised his defensive duties.
Sylvain Distin – 6: The 37-year-old Frenchman turned back the clock against Sunderland, tracking back on a couple of occasions, but still managing to play out the 90 minutes with conviction.
Steve Cook – 6: A subtle though formidable defensive display from Cook. Alert and strong, Cook always found himself between ball and goal. Played comfortably out from the back.
Charlie Daniels – 7: His return brought back a dimension that Bournemouth have been lacking of late. His surging runs down the left-side inspired many Bournemouth attacks. Forming a very good partnership with Pugh.
Dan Gosling – 7: Played Wilson in well for the first goal of the game. Booked late on for a tired challenge.
Andrew Surman – 5: Looked like his usual playmaking self, but struggled to influence the game over the first 45 minutes. He was better in the second half, helping to shut Sunderland out with his high-percentage passing.
Marc Pugh – 7: Usually looked to cut in onto his favoured right foot, which created space out wide for an overlapping Daniels. Constantly pressed the issue with Sunderland right-back Billy Jones.
Matt Ritchie – 8: Goal of the season contender, period. Ritchie’s volley from outside the box is one worth YouTubeing. Aside from that, he constantly hustled in attack and midfield. Played a pivot role in Bournemouth’s high-press tactic.
Ritchie’s goal for Bournemouth. Goal of the season. https://t.co/yzJGGPMffp — James Barrett-Wright (@JBarrettWright) September 19, 2015
Callum Wilson – 8: Added to his tally with a textbook striker’s goal, turning Kaboul with ease to find space. Was a nuisance to the Sunderland defence throughout the game. Always held the ball up well and drew multiple fouls over the course of the match.
Lee Tomlin – 5: Displayed moments of technical finesse, in particular, the Bergkampesque turn on Kaboul. Despite a couple of optimistic touches, he was subbed midway through the second half.
Substitutes
Eunan O’Kane – 5: Sent on by Eddie Howe to help Bournemouth close out the game. Was a bit sloppy in possession, but chased play very enthusiastically.
Glen Murray – 5: Got a couple of minutes towards the end of the game and forced Pantilimon to make a good save.
Alan Smith – N/A: Played out the dying seconds.
Click NEXT to view Sunderland player ratings
