Cardiff 2-2 Sunderland: Premier League Player Ratings

by Jamie Clark

Cardiff City started life after Malky Mackay with a deflating draw at home to basement club Sunderland as Jack Colback snatched a point for the Black Cats.

The Bluebirds led 2-0 through goals from Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell before Steven Fletcher set up a grandstand finish by pulling one back for the visitors. Colback's deflected effort deep inside stoppage time saw Sunderland continue their unbeaten run.

A point apiece kept Cardiff behind West Bromwich Albion on goal difference and saw the Black Cats edge close to safety. Gus Poyet's side are now just a point behind West Ham and two adrift of Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Bluebirds caretaker David Kerslake brought Gary Medel back into midfield in one of three changes from Mackay's last match in charge - a 3-0 home defeat to Southampton. Aron Gunnarsson and Peter Odemwingie made way whilst left back Andrew Taylor missed out injured. Kim Bo-Kyung and Cardiff academy graduate Declan John came in.

Sunderland also made three changes after beating Everton on Boxing Day. Andrea Dossena replaced Ondrej Celutska, Emanuele Giaccherini was in for Colback and Jozy Altidore led the line instead of Fletcher.

Who caught the eye of the WhatCulture sports team at the Cardiff City Stadium? Click next to find out starting with the Bluebirds.

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Contributor

Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.