Grant Leadbitter’s thumping penalty after a foul on Denver Hume handed the Black Cats the three points on Wearside, after a game in which clear-cut chances proved elusive for Phil Parkinson’s men.
So who earned top marks in the clash, and who has work to do to keep their place in the side? Scroll down as Phil Smith dishes out his player ratings:
1. Lee Burge
One unconvincing early stop almost opened the door for Jonson Clarke-Harris, but he made some good stops after that and was reliable throughout the contest. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. Jordan Willis
Struggled to pick Dembele up early on as the lively forward pulled into dangerous positions, but got better and better and had a strong second half. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. Bailey Wright
Got better and better as the game went on. Seven clean sheets from nine appearances in a Sunderland shirt tells its own story and is no coincidence. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Flanagan
Did the basics well in another clean sheet for a defensive unit that is producing results for Phil Parkinson. 6 Photo: Frank Reid