Phil Parkinson's big change and a new-found belief: Why Sunderland are now serious top two contenders

Here’s three key conclusions from the triumph:

No need to man the panic stations

At no point during the afternoon did it feel as if the afternoon was slipping away from Sunderland.

Despite being kept out by their visitors for over 70 minutes, there was a belief that Sunderland would - by hook or by crook - score.

That newfound belief is a testament to the fine work done by Phil Parkinson and his squad to instill a sense of confidence into the fan base. No longer is their mass panic if Sunderland fail to find a breakthrough early on. Instead, fans remain behind the side, confident in the belief that a goal will eventually come.

And so far, Sunderland are consistently repaying that belief.

Depth is the key to promotion - and Sunderland have it

One of Sunderland’s shortcomings last season was arguably a lack of depth.

Towards the dying weeks of the campaign, the squad was patched-up - Aiden McGeady taking injections to play and a lack of quality options on the bench.

Now, the story couldn’t be more different.

Parkinson has an array of options in every position. No longer is an injury a cause for panic.

Indeed, it speaks volumes that the likes of Ethan Robson, Declan John and Will Grigg can’t find their way into the match day squad.

They will undoubtedly be needed as the season reaches its climax, though, and such depth will be key to promotion.

This is a team that gets it

Whether it be Jordan Willis completing a full lap of the pitch to applaud the home fans, Alim Ozturk leaping behind the dugout to sign an autograph, or Kyle Lafferty taking selfies with supporters long after the final whistle - this is a team that understand the connect between Sunderland players and supporters.

Too often has that bond been broken in recent years, but this is a squad that ‘gets it’. They’re backing the fans, and in return the fans are backing them. Long may it continue.