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:
5. Luke O'Nien
Plenty of energy and got forward with regularity, but no way through a resolute home defence. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
6. Denver Hume
A difficult afternoon, just unable to find the right final ball when he got into the final third. Caught offside at some frustrating intervals to disrupt the rhythm of the side. 4 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
7. George Dobson
Tried to bring some precision to his side, who were too sloppy in possession for the most part. Not his most effective game even if there was no doubting his industry. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Max Power
Thought he had rescued another point for his side late on, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Good intensity, particularly in the second half, but his side just couldn’t find a way through. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020