Sunderland took the lead in the first half after Patrick Roberts dispatched a penalty, which was won by Chris Rigg after Bali Mumba’s foul in the box.
The Black Cats took their goal advantage into the half-time interval but conceded shortly after the break as Anthony Patterson’s superb save was turned into the net accidentally by Dan Ballard, who could do nothing to prevent the own goal.
The hosts then took the lead with 73 minutes on the clock through a Ryan Hardie penalty after a foul from Ballard in the area. With just four minutes left of normal time, Romaine Mundle bagged Sunderland an equaliser.
But in stoppage time Joe Edwards fired home to hand Wayne Rooney his first league win as Plymouth boss and Régis Le Bris’ first Championship loss.
Here’s how our chief football writer Phil Smith rated each Sunderland player against Plymouth Argyle in the Championship:
5. Luke O'Nien
Started the game really well but caught up the pitch a couple of times in the second. Nearly opened up the pitch with some good long passes but Sunderland’s back four generally gave the ball up too easily with panicked clearances in the second half. 5 | Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency
6. Dan Neil
Played well at the base of midfield on his return to the XI, snapping into challenges and playing some good passes throughout. Had a tough job trying to contain Plymouth’s breaks in the second half. 6 | Getty Images
7. Jobe Bellingham
Had a brilliant first half, snapping into challenges and more often than not coming out on the right side of them. Quieter in the second but played his part in Mundle’s goal. 6 Photo: Stu Forster
8. Chris Rigg
Picked up a great position to receive Hume’s pass and break into the box to win the penalty for the opener. One or two wonderful turns away from trouble to create space but was the right call to introduce Browne with Sunderland under pressure in the second half. 6 | Getty Images