Max O'Leary - 6
Despite fears his rolled ankle would see him ruled out against the Black Cats, Max O'Leary managed to start against Regis Le Bris' side. Made a few smart interventions in the opening exchanges and was put in an awkward position by his defenders for Eliezer Mayenda's opener. Did everything else that was needed of him.
Zak Vyner - 6
Although the academy graduate was in a slightly unfamiliar position on the left of the back three, he had to do more to stop Eliezer Mayenda's opener. Vyner continuously backed off the Sunderland forward and ended in no man's land as he slotted in past Max O'Leary. Did recover well following that start even if his delivery into the area left a bit to be desired.
Rob Dickie - 8
There's only one place to start with the defender, what a hit! He may have got a fair few last season but Rob Dickie won't have scored many goals better than that in his career. He finished with an aplomb you would expect from a rampaging midfielder rather than a towering defender. Although he was caught out once or twice defensively, he more than made up for that with a goal that will live long in the memory of every Bristol City fan.
George Tanner (off for Yu Hirakawa, 45') - 6
In the end, the game didn't end up suiting George Tanner particularly after the early sending off. Through no fault of his own, he didn't have an awful lot to do without the ball and couldn't impact the match on it before being withdrawn at the break.
Cam Pring - 7
Cam Pring's performance alone almost summed up the game as a whole. There were some excellent moments from the 27-year-old partnered with some moments of pure chaos. Got into some good positions in the first half without producing all too much before making some important defensive interventions after the break.
Joe Williams (off for Scott Twine, 72')- 7
Like so many of his teammates, Joe Williams came close to opening the scoring when he smashed a volleyed effort just past the post following Jason Knight's free-kick. Didn't manage to do enough to stop Eliezer Mayenda's run as the away side's forward raced the length of the pitch to open the scoring. Battled away and made some huge tackles before making way for Scott Twine as the Reds turned the screw.
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Jason Knight - 7.5
What else do you expect from the skipper? Once again, he was everywhere as he battled in and out of possession and never once let his head drop. We've referred to the Ireland international as the heart of this team over and over again this season and performances like his on Saturday show exactly why. He rarely puts a foot wrong and when he does, he tends to make up for it.
Ross McCrorie - 8
The Scotsman has returned from his injury with an appetite for goals. If his strike against Watford was a bit of a mishit, this couldn't have been struck better as he nearly burst the net with his powerful winner. He posed a constant threat with his direct style both on the left and right flank and on another day could have picked up another goal or two, not that it mattered.
George Earthy (off for Haydon Roberts, 90+1) - 7
The West Ham loanee is quickly becoming an integral part of this team. Although he didn't pick up a goal or an assist, he was a constant livewire at the top end of the pitch. Perhaps could have done more to break down Sunderland in the first half but his energy was crucial as the Reds looked to pile on the pressure.
Max Bird (off for Anis Mehmeti, 72') - 7
Against Sunderland's low block in the first half, Max Bird did what he could to try and carve out an opening. Played several probing passes that on another day would have warranted an assist or two. Should have done better with his own scoring chances before being replaced in the second half.
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Nahki Wells - 8
The Bermudian international used his body well to not only just get ahead of Trai Hume but also draw the tackle that led to the Sunderland defender being shown a straight red card. He led the line brilliantly but perhaps his best work came off the ball where on more than one occasion he produced an important tackle. We've said it before but we'll say it again, he's ageing like a fine wine.
Substitutes:
Yu Hirakawa - 7
The winger had a superb impact having been introduced in the second half. Is it a stretch to say he changed the game? I don't think so, he added a much-needed direct approach that played a crucial role in the turnaround.
Scott Twine - 6
Did well to slow things down once the Robins were ahead.
Anis Mehmeti - 6
One of his best cameos in recent weeks.
Marcus McGuane - 6
A couple of risky passes but solid elsewhere.
Haydon Roberts - N/A
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