Charlie Wyke and Jordan Jones scored the all-important goals for the Black Cats as they claimed a first win on the south coast since 1997.
But who caught the eye in the crucial win?
Our chief football writer Phil Smith 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:
Our chief football writer Phil Smith 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. Callum McFadzean
Kept it simple in possession and did his defensive work with little fuss. Williams was Portsmouth’s biggest threat on the right flank and he came through the challenge. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
6. Carl Winchester
Johnson’s ambitious selection put a lot of pressure on the midfielder and to say he stepped up would be an understatement. Tidy, combative and played countless precise switches of play. His best showing in a Sunderland shirt and by a distance. 8 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
7. Josh Scowen
Broke up play throughout as he always does, full of energy and running in an effective display. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
8. Aiden McGeady
Supported McFadzean really well defensively and though Jones will capture the headlines, he caused problems on his flank and was good in possession for the most part. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2019