Eight games unbeaten in all competitions, a new billionaire owner at the helm and a Wembley final just around the corner – what could be better?
And the feel-good factor was extended on Tuesday evening as the Black Cats sealed a crucial win at Portsmouth in League One.
It was a comfortable enough evening for the Wearsiders, who were in control throughout.
Goals from Charlie Wyke and Jordan Jones were enough for Sunderland as they claimed a first win at Fratton Park since 1997 – while simultaneously keeping the pressure on the top two in the division.
And there were a whole host of excellent moments in the clash, which were captured by the photographers at the game.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best images from the win on the south coast, courtesy of our photographer Frank Reid and Getty Images:
![Tom Flanagan returned to the squad at Portsmouth and played close to half an hour as a substitute, as Lee Johnson sees his defensive options replenished.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdmMWVkMTBiLTI5MjEtNDU4MS1hZmVlLTM3YWI0YTQ5NjdlMDo2MzA3NmYyYS0yZmRkLTQyNzItYWExNC1kNmYzMjA2OGE0ZmE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
1. A welcome injury boost
Tom Flanagan returned to the squad at Portsmouth and played close to half an hour as a substitute, as Lee Johnson sees his defensive options replenished. Photo: Frank Reid
![Charlie Wyke rose highest to open the scoring at Portsmouth - his 26th goal of the season.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdkNTgzOTliLTBmZDAtNDQ4Yy04Nzk3LTA5NTE4ZTNlZDAxNzo3MGFmYjEyZC0wMjA3LTQ2ZGItODFjNi1kY2U0ZDE0OWY1YWY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
2. What a leap!
Charlie Wyke rose highest to open the scoring at Portsmouth - his 26th goal of the season. Photo: Frank Reid
![Wyke peels away to celebrate after heading Sunderland ahead. We've seen plenty of this in recent weeks!](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZmMmQ2ZWI1LWE1M2MtNDYwMy1iY2I1LWYwYWFkYTk2NGU0NTpjMmM2MjVkOS03MTQzLTQxMjctODEyMy0wYjUzNGFmZDVkNjQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
3. This has become a familiar sight...
Wyke peels away to celebrate after heading Sunderland ahead. We've seen plenty of this in recent weeks! Photo: Frank Reid
![And if you look at his right hand, you can see the peeled-off sleeve badge that had fans talking during the game!](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmE5NGRhN2E0LTE4YmYtNDBkMy1hNDRiLTViY2I3NDRkNWQ0MDo3N2UxNTJkMi0yZDc1LTQ2NzUtYjJlZS00N2Y5NTlmOGI5NWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
4. Jordan Jones made it two
And if you look at his right hand, you can see the peeled-off sleeve badge that had fans talking during the game! Photo: Bryn Lennon