Romaine Mundle replaced the departing Jack Clarke in Régis Le Bris’ starting XI for the game against Burnley and duly repaid his manager’s faith by netting the opening goal.
With around five minutes to go team captain Dan Neil was sent off for a second bookable offence as Sunderland looked to hold onto the win. Régis Le Bris side, though, managed to hold on and make it three from three in the league
Here, we take a look at how Phil Smith rated every Sunderland player against Burnley:
13. Alan Browne
Really strong cameo. Took up good positions not just to soak up pressure but to relieve it by drawing fouls and springing breaks. 7 | Ian Horrocks
14. Nectarios Triantis
Came on for closing stages and made a couple of good contributions. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
15. Nazariy Rusyn
Deserves credit, came on and made a real nuisance of himself. Pushed Burnley back when Sunderland were down to ten late on. 6 | Getty Images