Matt Godden’s strike with just two minutes on the clock proved enough for the Sky Blues, with the Black Cats then having a late leveller ruled out to deny them a point.
But how did the individuals perform at St Andrew’s? Scroll down and click through the pages as our chief Sunderland AFC writer, Phil Smith, dishes out his player ratings after the 1-0 reverse:
1. Jon McLaughlin
Little he could do about the early opener and made one very good stop from Allen deep into the second half to keep his side in the contest. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
2. Tom Flanagan
Both he and Ozturk had been drawn to the ball early on, allowing Godden to get free and score what was the crucial goal. Had a very good second half but his early miss, unmarked at the back post, proved key. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
3. Jordan Willis
Subbed off late on a Parkinson looked to get more attacking threat on the pitch. Had been typically steady before then, rarely caught out and keeping it simple in possession. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Alim Ozturk
Didn’t distribute the ball with the calm he had done the other night, and had some uncertain moments defensively. 5 Photo: Frank Reid