Sunderland recovered from their midweek defeat at Sheffield United to claim an excellent victory at Stoke City. Ross Stewart scored the only goal of the game, latching on to Jack Clarke's pass and firing home his third goal of the season.
That goal came in injury time at the end of a first half in which Sunderland were second-best for long periods. But in the second half, the Black Cats were much-improved and they had chances to add further goals.
In the end, one goal was enough and it secured Alex Neil's men their second win since returning to the Championship. Sunderland climbed to fifth in the table, with eight points from their first five games.
READ MORE: Alex Neil on the rare 'selfless dressing room' culture that has been built at Sunderland
Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Anthony Patterson 8
Made several fine saves in the first half to keep his side in the game
Luke O'Nien 5
Lost the physical battle with Delap, picked up an early booking, and went off at half-time
Danny Batth 7
Stood firm at the heart of defence against his old club
Dennis Cirkin 8
Outstanding on the left side of the back three, and he also looked good carrying the ball out of defence
Lynden Gooch 7
Always a threat down the right, and he caused Stoke problems
Jay Matete 6
Worked hard but was booked early on which left him walking a tightrope, and he was taken off at half-time
Elliot Embleton 6
Industrious in the middle of midfield and his passing was neat
Jack Clarke 7
Wonderful assist for Stewart's goal, and was excellent in the left wingback role
Alex Pritchard 6
Not at his most influential, but still played his part in a good all-round team performance
Ellis Simms 6
Sent one chance into the sidenetting in the first half, and one just wide in the second
Ross Stewart 8
Another great finish, and he could have added a second goal late in the game
Subs
Corry Evans 7
For Matete 46mins. A steadying influence in midfield in the second half
Bailey Wright 7
For O'Nien 46mins. Added the extra physicality that was needed in defence
Trai Hume N/A
For Pritchard 87mins.
Not used: Bass, Roberts, Diamond, Alese
