The Black Cats are now just one game away from Wembley having overcome a stubborn Dons side, with an own goal and strikes from Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke sealing victory.
But who impressed at stadium:mk, and who has work to do moving forward?
Scroll down and click through the pages as our chief football writer Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks from the clash:
1. Remi Matthews
Made some very smart stops, particularly from Scott Fraser in the second half, in what was comfortably his best showing in a Sunderland shirt. Composed throughout. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. Max Power
Struggled in the latter stages of the first half as MK Dons got a lot of joy in behind him, but came through that period and was comfortable for much of the second half. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. Jordan Willis
Looked strong defensively and was dominant in the vast majority of his duels before Johnson opted to protect him with a change relatively early in the second half. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Flanagan
One or two nervous moments but generally played well and made some very important interceptions when his team looked to be under a bit of pressure. 7 Photo: Frank Reid