Chris Maguire eventually found a way past Tomas Holy in a vastly improved second half, having been put under some real pressure prior to the interval.
But what did our chief Sunderland AFC writer, Phil Smith, make of the performances on show from Sunderland? Scroll down and click through the pages to see his player ratings:
5. Luke O'Nien
Caught out once or twice in the opening moments of the game but battled through and steadied in the second half. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
6. Denver Hume
Couldn’t get into the game at all in the first half as Ipswich controlled possession. Completely different matter in the second as he regularly advanced forward. Crossing was disappointing though he really should have had an assist when Bailey Wright struck the bar. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
7. Max Power
Like Dobson, he had been por in the first half with his side too easy to play through, but stepped up in the second and played his part. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
8. George Dobson
Struggled in the first half after a tough week or so and so it was to his credit that he rallied to strongly in the second, winning challenges and playing some excellent passes to keep his side on top. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020