The Egypt ace, who was deployed as a right-back, played the whole 90 minutes although he was doubtful for the match after suffering from dizziness in Saturday's game with Blackburn Rovers.

Elmo competently fulfilled both his defensive and attacking duties throughout the match.

He thwarted challengers from the right flank and whipped in a number of precise crosses upfront, none of which were diverted home though.

Steed Malbranque could have connected with one of Elmohamady's crosses on 51 minutes but failed to make the most of it.

Phil Bardsley hit Sunderland's winner on 80 minutes with a powerful drive near the edge of the area.

The game witnessed two red cards, with Emile Heskey receiving his marching orders nine minutes past the hour mark, Boudewijn Zenden in the 86th minute.

Sunderland remain in sixth place with 33 points, two behind fifth-placed Chelsea.