The majority of those in attendance on Sunday lunchtime were on their feet just 12 minutes into proceedings as Jack Clarke opened his account for the season.
A delicious ball by Lynden Gooch wasn’t dealt with by the Coventry defence and Clarke rose above the defenders and a despairing Simon Moore in the Sky Blues goal to head home.
The Black Cats continued their dominance over the visitors but were given a scare when Jonathan Panzo’s vicious shot was tipped smartly onto the bar by Anthony Patterson.
As the second-half wore on, Sunderland dropped deeper and deeper to protect their one-goal lead and were made to pay by Vikto Gyokeres just six minutes from time.
It was a promising start to life back in the second-tier for Alex Neil’s side and here, we take a look at 11 of the best pictures from Sunday’s match:
1. A sea of red and white
There was a sea of red and white stripes ahead of the clash at the Stadium of Light Photo: Frank Reid
2. Thumbs Up
It was a solid start to life back in the Championship for Alex Neil's side Photo: Frank Reid
3. Jack Clarke's opener
Jubilant Sunderland fans celebrate the Black Cats opening the scoring Photo: Frank Reid
4. Nerves are building
The pre-match display helped to keep nerves at bay Photo: Frank Reid