Stoke City 0-1 Sunderland: Ross Stewart goal gives Black Cats win

Sunderland are up to fifth in the early Championship table

Ross Stewart's first-half goal was enough to propel Sunderland to an away victory over Stoke.

The striker fired home just before the break and the Potters, who started the game brightly, were unable to respond.

The visitors grew into the game and looked comfortable and poised during the second half, dominating possession and creating the better chances of the two sides.

Stoke had an opportunity to get back in the game late on when substitute Dwight Gayle had a strike from close range, but sent it sailing over the bar.

It was a deserved win for Sunderland who showed their class in the second half after wrestling control of the game from the home side and never let go.

Following their opener they grew in confidence and kept the ball away from the chasing Potters who struggled to create decent chances to level.

Striker Ellis Simms nearly made it two for the Black Cats with a couple of opportunities before Stewart rounded goalkeeper Josef Bursik, but failed to get a clean shot away in the closing moments.

The win propels Sunderland into the Championship's top five whilst Stoke fall three places into 21st.

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neil told BBC Radio Stoke:

"I thought we played well second half we were dominant and we had a lot of opportunities. We just conceded a really poor goal after losing the ball high up the pitch.

"The shot shouldn't have beaten the goalkeeper - he knows he should've saved it.

"The second half was fractured, a lot of free kicks and a lot of frustration. Ultimately we couldn't find a way back into the game.

"We're making the game very difficult for ourselves at the moment."

Sunderland manager Alex Neil told BBC Radio Newcastle:

"We're not going to be able to play well every single week. Today, in the first half the only pleasing thing was the goal. Aside from that we didn't compete well.

"We needed to be better with and without the ball in the second half and I think we did that.

"I'm pleased we kept a clean sheet."