Sunderland were holding their own, though, until Phil Bardsley felled Nico Kranjcar and Defoe scored the penalty.

BBC: Portsmouth 1-0 Sunderland

Carragher produced an excellent cross to the back post and Crouch rose above Phil Bardsley to head past Gordon.

BBC: Crouch's goal was only his second in the league this season

Defenders Anton Ferdinand and Phil Bardsley might also have left the field had their three substitutions not already been used.

BBC: 'Bizarre' penalty angers Sunderland boss Steve Bruce

Phil Bardsley's left-foot cross found Cisse at the back post and he was again unable to direct his effort on goal.

BBC: Sunderland 0-1 West Ham

Phil Bardsley was yellow-carded for almost rugby-tackling Stewart Downing and from the resultant free-kick Rochemback unleashed a fierce drive from 25 yards.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Premiership | Middlesbrough 1-3 Aston Villa

Kalou twice almost got in on goal while a superb last-ditch block tackle by Phil Bardsley denied the Ivorian his second goal in two games.

BBC: Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea

Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley was making his international debut and it was from that position that the cross came for the first chance after the break.

BBC: Euro 2012 qualifiers: Scotland 2-3 Spain

Johan Djourou needed to be alert to clear a low Jordan Henderson cross with Asamoah Gyan ready to pounce, while Phil Bardsley drilled narrowly wide from 20 yards.

BBC: Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland