Maarten Stekelenburg: The new keeper impressed on his debut with several incredible saves. 7/10Sascha Riether: Struggled to deal with Giaccherini but looked creative on the break. 6/10Brede Hangeland: Commanding performance from the tall Norwegian and did well to keep Altidore from scoring. 7/10Aaron Hughes: The Northern Irishman won several aerial duels against Altidore, though he couldn't force the American off the ball. 6/10Kieran Richardson: The former Sunderland man, who struggled with injuries last season, managed to get injured within the first 20 minutes after being given the run about by Adam Johnson. 4/10Steve Sidwell: Defended well when he was needed to but couldn't really contribute to the attack due to the significant pressure from the Black Cats. 5/10Damien Duff: Set up the goal and made good choices when he was given the chance. 6/10Adel Taarabt: Was not fully match fit but showed glimpses of his class. 6/10Derek Boateng: Made too many fouls and was lucky to survive with just a yellow card. 5/10Pajtim Kasami: Scored and that was about it from the young Swiss. 6/10Dimitar Berbatov: Led the Fulham attack well which was only shown in brief glimpses, due to the amount of possession Sunderland had. 6/10Substitutions: Matthew Briggs (20th minute for Richardson) 6, Giorgos Karagounis (65th minute for Boateng) 5, David Stockdale (76th minute for Stekelenburg) 6. STAR MAN - Adam Johnson The Sunderland winger started the season with a bang. He looked fitter, sharper and mored determined to create something, necessities which he lacked in his maiden campaign at the Stadium of Light. He looked a natural playmaker as he teamed up with a new exciting front four and if he continues to perform like this, a return to the England national squad could be on the agenda. Were you at the game? Share your own ratings below.
Sports writer for Forza Italian Football and Digital Sports Group among others. Editor of Sunderland fan base, Outside Sunderland. Always looking for new opportunities and new stories.
