Debutant Ellis Simms scored twice as Sunderland got their Championship campaign up and running with their first win of the season. On-loan Everton striker Simms needed less than five minutes to make his mark as he fired the Black Cats in front, only for Andreas Weimann to equalise for Bristol City minutes later.
The Robins then went in front shortly after half-time through Chris Martin, before Sunderland fought back with a vengeance. Simms scored his second goal almost immediately to level things up once more, and then Ross Stewart headed the winner 20 minutes from time.
The inclusion of Simms was the only change made by Alex Neil to the side that started last weekend's opening day draw against Coventry City on Wearside, with Elliot Embleton dropping to the bench. And the addition of a second forward allowed Neil to switch to playing with a back three at Ashton Gate.
