The Black Cats took a first-half lead when Luke O’Nien converted a rebound following Daniel Ballard’s header from a corner.
Sunderland then came under pressure in the second half, with goalkeeper Anthony Patterson saving an Ilias Chair penalty in the 62nd minute.
The visitors then secured the points eight minutes from time when Jack Clarke cut in from the left and scored with a low finish.
Clarke then added a third in stoppage-time following Dan Neil’s cutback.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players:
The visitors then secured the points eight minutes from time when Jack Clarke cut in from the left and scored with a low finish.
. Picture by FRANK REID
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
. Anthony Patterson - 9
An outrageous penalty save with his side’s lead still slender. Was little wrong with the penalty but it was a brilliant block. Commanded his box superbly, too. 9 Photo: Martin Swinney
. Trai Hume - 7
Made a couple of uncharacteristically poor decisions on the ball in the second half but was excellent in the first and once again won just about everything that came within five yards of him. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
. Daniel Ballard - 6
Did well in his battle with Chris Martin, erring only once or twice. Another clean sheet under his belt. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
. Danny Batth - 7
Another steady performance from the impressive defender. Job done, again. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
5. Aji Alese - 5
Had a good first half and showed really good energy to regularly break forward. Tired in the second and was caught out at times, though the handball against him looked a touch harsh on first viewing. No matter, in the end. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Luke O’Nien - 7
Deployed in midfield and showed good awareness to be in the right place when Dieng fumbled. Not always totally convincing but moved it nicely and got the job done. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Abdoullah Ba - 7
Took him a while to get used to his wing role but was very good when he did, gliding past players at will. Played his part in the opener with a superb backheel leading to the corner from which Sunderland scored. Struggled to impact the second half and was then withdrawn. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Patrick Roberts - 7
Not quite at his most incisive but still one of the big threats on the pitch and had some big moments that helped his team get the win. 7 Photo: Martin Swinney