Goals from Chris Maguire, Will Grigg and Josh Scowen were enough to hand the Black Cats victory in what was their first outing since March.
But who caught the eye during the clash at the International Stadium, and who has work to do before September 12?
Scroll down and click through the pages to see Phil Smith's merit marks:
13. Arbenit Xhemajli
Rarely tested defensively as Gateshead faded. Cut an imposing figure and hit the post with a towering header from a corner. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
14. Morgan Feeney
Slotted into the middle of defence and with his side in complete control, had the most comfortable of starts to his Sunderland career. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
15. Jordan Willis
Should have scored from a corner when he made a good run to break free, and had nothing to do defensively. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
16. Jack Diamond
Took his chance to impress and then some. Slotted into an unfamiliar right wing-back role but with Sunderland on the front foot, he broke forward regularly and produced a fine cross for Grigg to get Sunderland back in the lead. 7 Photo: FRANK REID