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:
9. Chris Maguire
Battled hard, particularly off the ball, but with little reward in the final third until his excellent strike broke the deadlock. Sunderland deserved that for a dominant second-half showing. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
10. Lynden Gooch
A strange afternoon in which he suffered a lot of frustration in possession but almost scored the goal of the season, a stunning solo effort in which he beat a host of defenders before striking an effort off the post. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
11. Charlie Wyke
Missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead early in the second half but redeemed himself by showing the composure to tee up Maguire for the winner. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
12. Kyle Lafferty
Sunderland were ahead within moments of his introduction and he played his part in forcing the ball to the feet of Maguire. Showed good presence and rewarded a brave substitution from his manager. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020