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:
9. Lynden Gooch
Little sight of goal on an afternoon when he was unable to make much of an impression in the final third. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Chris Maguire
Struggled to get into the game from open play and had few chances to play his dangerous crosses into the box. His set pieces were superb and should have yielded a goal. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
11. Charlie Wyke
Missed a good chance in the second half when his header was straight at the goalkeeper. Ineffective for the most part but the service was not great as he battled three centre-halves. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
12. Kyle Lafferty
Made an impact, causing problems for the Coventry defence and showing some good touches. Pushing for his first start with every cameo. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020