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
25. ELIEZER MAYENDA
Impossible to hand out a rating based on one brief cameo appearance, but Mayenda's brief debut against Birmingham City showed exactly why Mowbray has been so excited about him behind the scenes. He looked a real threat, quick and with a very powerful strike on him. Expect to see him a lot more after the international break. Photo: Frank Reid