Managerless Sunderland began the post-Alex Neil era with their first home defeat since February as they lost out to Norwich City. Josh Sargent's goal 15 minutes from time proved the difference, but the Black Cats will feel they should have taken all three points against the promotion favourites after creating a number of clear-cut chances.
They twice hit the woodwork in the second half - the first time when Ross Stewart saw his volley turned onto the crossbar by ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, and the second when Ellis Simms' downward header struck the post. They also worked Krul on several occasions, and saw a couple of shots blocked on the line.
But in the end they slipped to their second defeat of the season - and their first on home soil since they lost to MK Dons here back in February in what was Neil's first home game in charge - and now have eight points from their first six Championship games. The match was played against a backdrop of uncertainty with Neil expected to be confirmed as Stoke City's new manager imminently.
