It lifted Tony Mowbray’s side back into the play-off places ahead of the international break, with the Black Cats now sitting sixth in the table.
It remains of course the tightest and most competitive divisions, with only four points separating Sunderland from the bottom half of the table. Generally, though, the table tells of a solid start to the season and particularly given the notable summer departures of Ross Stewart and Amad. The on-pitch identity has continued to develop even if there have been some teething up issues up front and some disappointing results.
So who has shone so far this season and who might Mowbray be looking to for greater involvement over the busy festive period? We take a closer look, player by player. Those unable to feature so far due to injury have not been included
21. JEWISON BENNETTE
His brilliant assist for Chris Rigg’s header against Southampton was one of the moments of the campaign so far, but Bennette has found it difficult to break through and find regular football. Mowbray's options in forward areas are not pretty numerous and it's hard to see an immediate way in for the winger. Bennette does very much have time on his side and Mowbray is always quick to stress just how young the winger is, who has a lot of football ahead of him. A loan move in January might be a consideration if he is still struggling to get into the side by the time that window rolls around. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
22. LUIS HEMIR
Hemir’s first few months at Sunderland are fairly hard to judge. He has been unable to get on the scoresheet or make a really consistent impact, and yet Mowbray is condident that he is going to be a real find for the club and at times you can see why: he scored regularly in pre-season and has real power in his right foot. It has clearly been a process of trying to get him up to speed in terms of his work out of possession, and that is ongoing. Has had some big chances to score, which he just hasn't been able to convert yet. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
23. MASON BURSTOW
Burstow played a key part in a good winning run for Sunderland, with his athleticism and link-up play helping the team's attacking threat. Where he struggled was carving out chances and goals of his own, leading to Mowbray to take him out of the XI for a while. Looked very bright when brought on against Birmingham, which Mowbray noted. The head coach says he'll give him more chances along the way. 5.5 Photo: Frank Reid
24. NAZARIY RUSYN
Rusyn was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet against Birmingham, striking the post with one excellent effort. He assisted Jobe's opener in what was comfortably his best performance yet, a regular threat through the middle and increasingly on the wavelength of the attackers around him. Has likely earned at least another start after the international break. 6 Photo: Frank Reid