Dennis Cirkin scored both goals as Sunderland came from behind to beat top six rivals West Brom and climb into the play-off places. John Swift's penalty on the stroke of half-time had put the Baggies in front against the run of play, but there was a big turnaround in the second half.
Defender Cirkin headed the Black Cats level minutes into the second period. And then he started and finished a magnificent move five minutes from time to earn all three points.
Sunderland are now unbeaten in seven games, while this defeat ended West Brom's 12-game unbeaten home run at The Hawthorns. But, more importantly, the win lifted Tony Mowbray's side to sixth place in the table with two games of the season remaining - albeit both West Brom and Blackburn Rovers each have a game in hand of them.
READ MORE: Sunderland move into play-off spot after Dennis Cirkin's double downs top six rivals West Brom
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 7
A solid performance from the keeper. No chance with the penalty
Trai Hume 7
Excellent on the right side of the back three
Luke O'Nien 7
Gave away the penalty, but otherwise he had a fine game at the heart of the three-man back line
Dennis Cirkin 9
Fantastic on the left side of the back three, and got forward to score both his side's goals in the second half. A man of the match display
Lynden Gooch 8
Provided the assist for the first goal and also brought a good save out of Palmer
Dan Neil 7
Worked hard in the middle of the park and his passing was good
Pierre Ekwah 6
A little laboured at times, but still played his part
Jack Clarke 7
Always a threat cutting in from the left and he was denied by a good save from Palmer
Amad 8
Dangerous in and around the box, he made sure West Brom's defence could never relax
Abdoullah Ba 7
Saw plenty of the ball and caused problems for West Brom in and around the box
Joe Gelhardt 8
On the end of some crunching tackles but never stopped running, he led the line very well
Subs
Patrick Roberts 6
For Ba 68mins. A few flashes of skill but has had more influential games
Edouard Michut 7
For Ekwah 68mins. Involved in the fine passing move that resultedin the winning goal
Alex Pritchard N/A
For Gelhardt 77mins.
Not used: Bass, Taylor, Anderson, Lihadji
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