Two goals from Ross Stewart and a superb effort from Jack Clarke ensured Tony Mowbray began life in charge of Sunderland in the best possible fashion.
Having named an unchanged line-up from Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Norwich City, Mowbray's half-time comments inspired the Black Cats who emerged for the second period with a clinical edge and were, ultimately, good value for the victory.
Just 60 seconds after Danny Batth put a simple header off target, Sunderland converted their dominance into goals as Stewart smashed a left-footed shot under Viktor Johansson to send Wearside into raptures.
