Sunderland suffered a second successive home defeat as Cardiff City earned a deserved win on Wearside. The Black Cats had picked up four points in their last two games on their travels at Luton Town and Huddersfield, but had lost their previous home game 4-2 against Burnley.
And Mark Harris' goal early in the second half was enough to inflict another defeat on home soil. Cardiff were the better side throughout and could - and should - have won by a much more convincing margin.
Anthony Patterson had made a brilliant penalty save from Joe Ralls in the first half, after Jaden Philogene had been fouled by Danny Batth. But Sunderland - despite the inclusion of Ellis Simms from the off - looked lightweight going forward, and they also gave the ball away far too cheaply in midfield which allowed the visitors to put them under pressure.
