Tottenham Hotspur picked up their first win of the new season courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Ryan Mason scored the only goal of the game with just eight minutes remaining, but Spurs rode their luck at times as Sunderland hit the woodwork on two occasions.

Here, Sports Mole looks at who stood out in a match that pitted two of the four remaining winless teams together.

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SUNDERLAND

Goal

Costel Pantilimon: One or two nervy moments, but commanded his area well when aerial balls arrived. Didn't have many saves to make until late on, and could do nothing about the goal. (6/10)

Defence

Billy Jones: A solid, no-nonsense display on the right side of the defence. Made a few important interceptions in the box and gave the likes of Chadli little joy. (6/10)

John O'Shea: The rock of the Sunderland defence. Kept Kane quiet for the vast majority of the match and played a big part in a much improved all-round defensive performance. (7/10)

Younes Kaboul: Has been criticised for his performances so far this season but was a dominant presence at the back for the most part today. Made countless clearances and almost picked up an assist too, providing the pass from which Rodwell hit the bar. Outplayed by some slick passing for the winner, though. (7/10)

Patrick van Aanholt: Perhaps a little fortunate to get away with a penalty claim inside the opening minute, but went on to put in arguably his best performance of the season so far. (6/10)

Midfield

Yann M'Vila: Looks like he could be a key player for Sunderland this season. He protected his defence well and was tidy in possession. (7/10)

Jordi Gomez: Something of a surprise inclusion having initially been ruled out with a knee injury. Decent enough in the middle of the park, although his passing let him down at times. (6/10)

Jeremain Lens: Released Defoe through on goal with a tremendous pass that should have given him an assist. Was a bright spark throughout and always looked capable of coming up with something. (7/10)

Ola Toivonen: Seemed strangely reluctant to shoot at times. Was given license to support the attack and did so effectively, but he won't be making any headlines tomorrow. (6/10)

Fabio Borini: Back for his second debut at the club and put in the type of workmanlike performance that made him a fan favourite during his loan stint. Involved in a good battle with Davies before being taken off. (6/10)

Attack

Jermain Defoe: The best player on the park in the first half, with his movement causing his former side all sorts of problems. Did miss Sunderland's best chance when he hit the post, though. (7/10)

Substitutes

Duncan Watmore: Introduced with 15 minutes remaining but could not make an impact off the bench this time around. (6/10)

Lee Cattermole: Came on at the same time as Watmore having been dropped to the bench, but could not prevent Mason from breaking forward to get the winner. (5/10)

Jack Rodwell: Came within inches of rescuing a point for his side with a measured curling effort that he was unfortunate to see come back off the crossbar. (6/10)

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TOTTENHAM

Goal

Hugo Lloris: Could only watch on as shots from Defoe and Rodwell hit the woodwork. Only had two saves to make himself, but was quick off his line on a few occasions. (6/10)

Defence

Kyle Walker: Struggled to make much of an impact going forward and was kept busy by the likes of Borini and Lens defensively too. Dealt with the test relatively well, though. (6/10)

Jan Vertonghen: Looked confident and composed on the ball, particularly in the second half. Was less troubled by Defoe before the break than his centre-back partner. (7/10)

Toby Alderweireld: Really struggled to deal with Defoe's movement in the first half, being dragged all over the place by the lively striker. Not a very enjoyable afternoon for him. (5/10)

Ben Davies: Got stuck in to whoever he was up against. Not too much to shout about going forward, but certainly held his own defensively. (6/10)

Midfield

Eric Dier: Looks to be a natural in the defensive midfield role. Another assured display from the youngster. (7/10)

Ryan Mason: Disciplined, tidy on the ball and full of energy. Popped up with the winning goal to finish off a lovely team move, but picked up an injury in the process and was forced off as a result. (7/10)

Son Heung-min: A rather underwhelming debut for the £18m man. His deliveries from set pieces were disappointing, although there were one or two glimpses of his quality. (6/10)

Dele Alli: One of his side's brightest attackers during his time on the field, but as a team they looked a lot more dangerous after he had been replaced by Lamela. (6/10)

Nacer Chadli: Barely involved in the first half but grew into the game and saw plenty of the ball as Spurs became an attacking force in the match. (7/10)

Attack

Harry Kane: Still searching for that first club goal of the season. Had a few good chances today without showing the clinical edge that he displayed last season. Put a good shift in for the team as ever, though. (6/10)

Substitutes

Andros Townsend: Introduced just past the hour and gave Spurs much more of a threat in the final third with his direct running and pace. (7/10)

Erik Lamela: Replaced Alli, and his introduction coincided with Tottenham's spell in the ascendency. Picked up the assist for the winning goal. (7/10)

Tom Carroll: On for the injured Mason with five minutes remaining and put in one crunching challenge in a 50-50 with Cattermole. (6/10)