Chris Mepham made his full debut at the Stadium of Light after Regis Le Bris named Dan Ballard on the substitute’s bench.
Ballard suffered an ankle injury in the latter stages of the defeat to Plymouth Argyle last weekend and though he was passed fit to play, he only returned to training in the latter stages of this week. Le Bris opted to go with Mepham as a result, with Ballard offering cover on the bench. Ian Poveda was still absent with a thigh injury.
Le Bris opted not to bring Adil Aouchiche or Abdoullah Ba back into the fold despite Alan Browne and Poveda’s absence, with a number of academy players named on the bench in their stead.
Neither Rav van den Berg nor Jonny Howson were passed fit to play for the visitors. Michael Carrick made just one change to his starting XI, bringing Aidan Morris in ahead of Dan Barlaser who was on the bench.
Chris Rigg gave Sunderland the lead in the first half with a delightful back-heeled finish and Sunderland were able to hang on to the win to make it 15 points from their opening six games.
Here, we take a look at how Phil Smith rates Sunderland’s players against Middlesbrough:
9. Romaine Mundle
Another hugely impressive performance. Played a part in the first goal and nearly scored with a terrific free kick in the second. Should have had a penalty in first-half stoppage time and was a threat from start to finish. Worked hard, too. 8 | Getty Images
10. Patrick Roberts
Played a big part in the first goal as Edmundson turned his shot into Rigg’s path. Was a constant threat throughout, going close to a stunning goal driving infield from the right early in the second half. Worked his socks off. 8 | Getty Images
11. Eliezer Mayenda
Some nice touches in the first half without getting into the game too much. Did well late on, getting into some decent areas to relieve pressure and get his team up the pitch. 6 | Getty Images
12. Dan Ballard
Brought on for the final minute of stoppage time and made one big tackle to snuff out a Middlesbrough attack. N/A | Dan Ballard by Chris Fryatt Photo: Brought on for the final minute of stoppage time and made one big tackle to snuff out a Middlesbrough attack. N/A