Sunderland signed off ahead of the World Cup break with an important away victory at Birmingham City. Goals from Amad Diallo and Ellis Simms sealed the 2-1 win, despite a late consolation strike from Lukas Jutkiewicz.
It is a victory which has lifted Tony Mowbray's side into fifteenth spot, with a game in hand on many of their Championship rivals. The Black Cats are sat at a crucial juncture in their season with the halfway point of the campaign fast approaching.
Having finally secured a return to the Championship last season, the crucial gap many fans will first consider is the four-point cushion over the relegation zone. Sunderland also have the benefit of six clubs sat between themselves and the bottom three of Blackpool, Huddersfield Town, and Wigan Athletic.
