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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13. 12th: Accrington Stanley
The experts don't believe Accrington will be threatening too many of the sides above them or below them this season. Predicted points: 60 (-12 GD) - Probability of relegation: Photo: Lewis Storey
14. 11th: Bolton Wanderers
Bolton's recent good run was halted with a defeat to MK Dons at the weekend and their hopes of a playoff place have taken a hit as a result. Predicted points: 70 (+13 GD) - Probability of playoff place: 8% - Probability of promotion: 2% - Probability of finishing 11th: 22% Photo: Justin Setterfield
15. 10th: Portsmouth
Pompey are slowly but surely edging themselves closer to the playoffs - but have they left it too late? Predicted points: 71 (+12 GD) - Probability of playoff place: 14% - Probability of promotion: 4% - Probability of finishing 10th: 18% Photo: Jacques Feeney
16. 9th: Ipswich Town
Ipswich are one of a few sides with an outside shot of reaching the playoffs this season. Predicted points: 71 (+18 GD) - Probability of playoff place: 12% - Probability of promotion: 4% - Probability of finishing 9th: 15% Photo: Ashley Allen