Ross Stewart came off the bench to score on his debut shortly after half-time, while Charlie Wyke added a second four minutes from the end.
Our football writer Mark Donnelly has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
5. Jake Vokins - 6
Solid performance at the back in what was arguably his best showing since arriving on Wearside. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
6. Lynden Gooch - 6
Put in a fine ball for Ross Stewart's goal and was solid enough on the right flank. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
7. Max Power - 7
Was restored to the midfield and proved a key presence in the engine room as the game became scrappy and heated in the late stages. His communication was excellent as ever, too, and his delivery for the second goal was pin-point. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
8. Carl Winchester - 9
Superb in the middle, keeping things simple and remaining calm in possession in what was a scrappy and at time feisty encounter. Starting to become a key man for Sunderland. 9 Photo: FRANK REID 2020