The sacking of Lee Johnson does not seem to be helping Sunderland as they slumped to another loss in League One, this time away at Cheltenham Town.

Alex Pritchard had given the Stadium of Light faithful the lead in the first half, but Mike Dodds' team were then pegged back in the second through goals from Elliot Bonds and Alfie May, losing out 2-1 in the end.

Using statistical experts SofaScore, The Transfer Tavern have now analysed who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the Black Cats on the night. With a new manager appointment on the horizon, should this trio be worried about their futures in the XI?

Danny Batth

New signing Batth struggled to cope with Cheltenham's two strikers at times and was subsequently given a 6.5 rating.

The central defender only managed one tackle and one interception throughout the game, and his 59% pass accuracy was the second-lowest in the team.

He also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 23 separate occasions in total, the third-most out of his teammates, and found himself booked early on in the second half.

That sort of carelessness in possession is simply inexcusable for a defender.

Callum Doyle

Batth's partner in crime Doyle was ranked as SAFC's second-worst player on the night with a 6.4 overall rating, and he wasn't exactly smooth on the ball himself.

He failed to make any tackles or interceptions or block any shots on his goal, offering virtually zero defensive contribution, and was guilty of giving the ball away 14 times.

One has to think if it is Roy Keane who arrives in the coming days, the heart of his defence may be one of the first places he looks for improvements.

Anthony Patterson

Perhaps unlucky to be given the lowest rating (6.1) given some of the performances in front of him, goalkeeper Patterson was ranked as the Wearside club's worst player.

The Englishman did however only manage to muster a 65% pass accuracy, giving possession away 11 times, which is extremely worrying from the man between the sticks.

He also only managed to make one save in the entire match, conceding twice as many.

In other news, find out who Scott Wilson has taken aim at amid Sunderland manager noises here!