Bialkowski - 6: Like his counterpart had little to do for much of the game. No chance on the first, might have got a hand to the second, but some concern over his command of the six yard box on the day he got the nod over the available again Davis.
Ostlund - 6: Trademark endeavour from Jesus who had little chance to shine in attack against a well drilled Sunderland side. Guilty of the odd lapse in concentration at the back, but overall a decent defensive performance.
Pele - 6: Made some important headed clearances at the back in yet another defensive partnership. Great run from defence lead to Saints' goal.
Baird - 7: Good to see Chris Baird looking nearly back to his imperious best back in central defence. Made some vital tackles and interceptions at the back. Wild effort late on from a free kick.
Bale - 5: Generally well shackled by Sunderland who had a game plan to deal with the Welsh prodigy. Still looking tired and may well have been suffering from the back niggle sustained against Luton. Not the influence he has been earlier in the season, but he can't be expected to do it all himself at just 17, no matter how good he is.
Dyer - 4: Strange decision by Burley to start with Dyer in this vital game with Surman and the rested Skacel more logical options. Tried his hardest but had little end product and substituted at half time.
Wright - 5: Anonymous performance from Wright who did his fair share of work in midfield, but failed to have any real impact on the game.
Viafara - 8: All action and hugely energetic performance from Viafara who missed an excellent chance when clean through at an angle. Will never be the best passer in the game, but his pace and power did much to keep Sunderland at bay even when out of position on the right.
Belmadi - 5: Disappointing afternoon's work on the left from the Algerian wizard who looked a long way short of full fitness. No doubt Burley kept him on hoping for his extra quality to tell, but Skacel may well have been a better option. Was at least involved in Saints' goal picking out Guthrie's excellent run with a neat chip. A tired looking Belmadi was guilty of not closing down for Edwards' strike.
Saganowski - 7: One real chance, one goal in an impressive performance against Sunderland's well drilled defence. The usual intelligent movement and held up the ball well against some bigger defenders. Sign him up, George.
Best - 6: Worked hard up front proving a good foil for Saganowski. Went for power when a cooler head was required having worked himself a great opportunity in the first half. Went off with a painful looking foot injury.
Substitutes
Guthrie - 7: Came on for Dyer at half time and Saints looked much stronger for his energy and passing. Set up Saganowski for Saints' goal with an intelligent run and first time cross on the volley. Should have started.
Wright-Phillips - 3: Simply awful afternoon for Bradley when nothing went for him. Lost the ball nearly every time he got it and got no change out of the Sunderland defence. Looks a player well short of confidence.
Rasiak - 6: Little time to make an impression, but clearly wanted to take out his frustration at his bench duty putting in some nasty challenges. Did Saints need his extra finishing quality from the start?