Southampton FC 4-2 Sunderland: Daily Echo's player ratings

Stuart Armstrong and Adam Armstrong had put Saints into a comfortable first-half lead before Romaine Mundle and Jobe Bellingham hit back.

But Rothwell’s 73rd-minute introduction turned the momentum with two goals in three minutes to condemn Sunderland to a sixth straight defeat.

Here is how we rated Southampton's players... 

Russell Martin applauds the supporters at full-time (Image: Stuart Martin)

Starters 

Gavin Bazunu - 6. 

Made three comfortable saves and could not do anything about either of the two goals due to a deflection and wonder strike. Not his best day with his feet, only making 14 out of 24 attempted long passes and sometimes leaving teammates in a difficult place. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7. 

Still playing out on the right so that Martin can start Stephens through the middle. He loses a little bit of something out there but was still involved with the move for Southampton's third goal. Sunderland equaliser comes from his side with a header not quite clear. 

Jack Stephens - 6. 

Substituted after 73 minutes as he was starting to struggle. Had one particularly excellent moment as he won possession and then continued his run to set S Armstrong up for a shot inside the box. Was unlucky with a deflection for the first Sunderland goal but could close down quicker. 

Jan Bednarek - 7. 

Another good performance from a defender who has become a real leader on the pitch. His attacking header was saved into the path of S Armstrong for the opener. Reliable in possession throughout with the most touches and passes. Given man of the match in the stadium. 

Ryan Manning - 7. 

Decent performance from the Irishman. Some good defending in his own box and won the penalty for the second goal with a clever flick to draw in a foul. His clearance did eventually lead to Jobe Bellingham's goal but he was put in a difficult position by Bazunu. 

Flynn Downes - 8. 

Really impressive performance from an integral cog in the Saints machine. Made a big impact going forward, winning balls high up the pitch in the first half and being involved in the play for Rothwell's first goal. Tied with Harwood-Bellis and Smallbone as most tackles (two).

Will Smallbone - 8. 

Good outing made to look even better by what happened after he was substituted before the hour mark. Really tidy in possession with a pass success rate only bettered by Bednarek. Credited with the creation of two chances and filled in a right-back role when Stephens advanced in possession. 

Stuart Armstrong - 8. 

Excellent first-half performance before tiring after the break. Was in the right place to tap in an early opener for his fourth goal of the season. Set his namesake up for a good chance with a ball-win high up. Substituted in the wake of the Sunderland double-salvo. 

David Brooks - 7. 

Dangerous once again from the Welsh winger. Determined touch and pass for S Armstrong but the Scot was pulled back one-on-one - followed that up with the cross into the box for the opening goal. Wasted one chance with a free-kick but it was won by himself. Subbed after just 58 minutes.

Adam Armstrong - 8. 

Another good performance from the number nine who had the most shots in the game. Finished his fourth penalty of the season although Sunderland players were convinced he fouled in the process. Both of Rothwell's winning goals then came from the forward's wide play cutting back. 

Che Adams - 7. 

Did not have the chances fall for him on this occasion with his only shot blocked a yard into flight. However, continued and determined desire to pick the ball up in the hole and give teammates and opportunity to run off. Most fouled player in the match (four times).

Kamaldeen Sulemana still hunts his first goal of the season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Substitutes 

Joe Aribo - 6. 

Individual stats for passing and duels are quite good but Saints lost the midfield battle immediately after Smallboe was withdrawn. Also his header that falls to Bellingham for him to hit a wonder strike leveller. Aribo has had plenty of good weeks so nothing to be concerned by. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6. 

Had the right back on toast for most of his appearance but again is missing the end product to make it count, either with a pass across goal or finish. Left Bednarek incensed for losing possession in a tight area and leading to Sunderland's first goal. 

James Bree - 7.

Helped to shore things up at the back when he replaced skipper Stephens in the 73rd minute. Actually only touched the ball seven times and was not that tidy with it but rated purely on what the team looked like when he was introduced versus the minutes prior. 

Joe Rothwell - 9. 

What an impact. Introduced on 73 minutes and had two goals by the 80th. Nice finish inside the area for the first goal and then a good drive and finish for the second. Also some moments of courage to bring the ball out the back. Great cameo for the loanee. 

Sekou Mara - N/A. 

Only played just over 10 minutes including added time, touching the ball six times and once in the opposition box. Headed wide and over with his only chance. Hard to rate the Frenchman as a result.