The 3-0 triumph at the DW Stadium could be worth a lot more than just the three points for Sunderland.
They may be still some way from automatic promotion, but Saturday’s results shows they can compete with the best in the division and will hope this sets them in good stead as they approach the business end of the season.
But what did that result do to their own promotion ambitions and how has this win at the weekend impacted the rest of their promotion rivals?
Well, here, using data provided by FiveThirtyEight, we take a look at how the rest of the 2021/22 League One season may look and where Sunderland have been predicted to finish under new boss Alex Neil:
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5. 20th: AFC Wimbledon
Wimbledon are sliding towards danger and look more and more likely to be sucked into the relegation zone if they don't start picking up results. Predicted points: 46 (-20 GD) - Probability of relegation: 35% - Probability of finishing 20th: 24% Photo: Alex Davidson
6. 19th: Fleetwood Town
The 'data experts' believe that Fleetwood shouldn't be worrying too much about relegation this season, although fans may still harbour one or two lingering doubts. Predicted points: 50 (-13 GD) - Probability of relegation: 14% - Probability of finishing 19th: 17% Photo: Clive Mason
7. 18th: Lincoln City
The Imps are teetering above danger and their defeat to Gillingham at the weekend will have done nothing to alleviate relegation worries. Predicted points: 50 (-13 GD) - Probability of relegation: 10% - Probability of finishing 18th: 15% Photo: Laurence Griffiths
8. 17th: Shrewsbury Town
The experts believe that Shrewsbury have done enough to avoid the drop this season. Predicted points: 52 (-5 GD) - Probability of relegation: 4% - Probability of finishing 17th: 17% Photo: Ashley Allen