SUNDERLAND put five unanswered goals past Saints to end their unbeaten start to the Championship season.

Three first half goals saw Sunderland mound an early lead before Bradley Dack put the game to bed just after the break.

Teenager Chris Rigg then capped off a fantastic afternoon for the Black Cats, as Russell Martin's side failed to convert 68 per cent possession into a goal.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance as their unbeaten start to the Championship ended.

Gavin Bazunu - 5

Will feel unlucky to have conceded a long-range shot, which deflected off Flynn Downes, for Sunderland’s second.

Beaten at his near post for Sunderland's third. Wasn't helped by his defence for Sunderland's fourth after making a great save. Pulled off some saves to stop Sunderland from reaching a cricket score.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 5

Far from his best performance this season. Had the second most touches on the pitch with 96. Moved to left-back during the second half. 

Mason Holgate - 4

Far from an ideal start to life in a Saints shirt as he was part of a defence that conceded four goals inside the first 48 minutes.

Had some flashes of defensive solidity. Gave the ball away for Ekwah's second. Replaced by Charles on 64 minutes.

Jan Bednarek - 4

Made an important defensive header to prevent Sunderland from taking an early 3-0 win. Failed to stop Clarke, forcing Bazunu into a good save. Part of a back line that conceded five goals.

Ryan Manning - 4

Unlucky not to win a penalty when tripped in the box by Bradley Dack. Lost his defensive battle against Ba.

Flynn Downes - 5

Making his first start after debuting against QPR last week. Show Ekwah's long-range effort deflect off him to put Sunderland 2-0 up.

Will Smallbone - 5

Returned to the side after missing the last two games with injury. Part of a midfield that struggled to take control in the first half. Appeared to leave the pitch with an injury on 82 minutes.

Stuart Armstrong - 5

Broke the lines by driving 30 yards to set up A Armstrong, but the forward couldn't connect. Subbed off at half-time. 

Sekou Mara - 5

Started on the right after being linked with a deadline day loan exit. Booked for a frustrated tackle on Clarke late in the first half.

Sam Edozie - 5

Should have hit the target from the edge of the box after pinching a loose ball. Failed to make any further impact, completing just five passes, before being replaced at half-time.

Adam Armstrong - 5

Wore the captain’s armband in the absence of regular skipper Jack Stephens. Only managed 27 touches, despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Substitutes

Che Adams - 5

Only managed 19 touches and made 10 passes in 45 minutes. Brought on to change Saints' fortunes, but didn't have a shot.

Ryan Fraser - 5

Failed to make an impact after his introduction unlike against QPR. Created one chance.

Shea Charles - 6

Came on for Holgate in the 64th minute. Did well to climb highest and head a Manning corner goalbound, but should have hit the target. Played in a flexible defence after coming on.

Joe Aribo - N/A

Made very little impact after coming off the bench.

Charly Alcaraz - N/A

Much like Aribo, failed to make an impression on the game having been introduced.