Viktor Gyokeres wins a free-kick after rolling Dan Ballard and being dragged back by a scragg of the shirt.

However, Coventry don't make the most of the free-kick, opting to play across midfield and Sunderland clear to touch.

Might have fancied banging that into the box on reflection.

Coventry break, with a ball into Viktor Gyokeres in the left channel.

The Swedish striker latches onto it, backpedals Danny Batth into the box, but as he cuts in to shoot, the ball skews horribly wide of the target.

Great opportunity, and a warning. Gyokeres has pace.

Lynden Gooch pumps another cross into the box after Alex Pritchard's initial attempt isn't cleared, but Jack Clarke can't keep it in play for Sunderland.

Coventry on the backfoot right now.

Another chance for Jack Clarke, lurking at the back post.

Ross Stewart powered forward, flicking the ball out to Alex Pritchard.

Pritchard from the right arcs his cross into the box for Clarke, whose cushioned half-volley flies at a grateful Simon Moore.

Another bright moment for the Black Cats.

Gustavo Hamer gets a booking for a cynical tackle in midfield.

Sunderland pile the free-kick straight down the pitch, looking for a flick from Ross Stewart, but the Scot just can't arch his neck sufficiently to guide it home.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work it out, but Coventry could do with getting Viktor Gyokeres and Matt Godden a bit more involved here.

They've got a set-piece, the ball is slung into the box but out comes Black Cats keeper Anthony Patterson to claim it.

Josh Earl: Dream start for Sunderland

After all that, Ross Stewart's head provides ample barrier as Gus Hamer wraps his foot round the set-piece, and it pings away to safety for Sunderland.

Good response from Coventry, as Matt Godden bamboozles Dan Ballard with skill and draws a foul.

Free-kick on the edge of the box, and Gustavo Hamer has claimed it...

Fine margins in football isn't it? Gustavo Hamer pinged a pass out to Jake Bidwell that was overhit and Coventry seceded possession.

Alex Pritchard measures his ball and Sunderland score.

Execution is key.

It's a well-matched contest this so far.

Both sides showing glimpses that if they get it right, they can cause problems.

Lynden Gooch gives the ball away in midfield for Sunderland and the visitors are swift to break through Ben Sheaf.

However, the American is equally quick to track back and barge him off the ball - legally.

Then, a long-ball through looking for Ross Stewart catches the Scotland striker just offside. Another threat from the Black Cats.

Dan Neil intercepts a loose ball in midfield and pushes on for Sunderland, finding Jack Clarke out on the left, but Dominic Hyam blocks the low cross.

The home side picked Coventry off in midfield, more hassle and harry proving key.

Alex Pritchard's class and creativity was key to Sunderland's run to play-off success, and he's trying to busy himself.

However, Coventry block his progress down the right.

The visitors are comfortable in possession at the back, being allowed to pass about, but the home side are quick to squeeze up once the ball edges to half-way.

Amid all the noise and excitement from the stands, it's been patient fare thus far.

Sunderland get the first chance of the game, Alex Pritchard toeing the ball through to Ross Stewart, who brings the ball onto his left foot and laces a low, skiddy drive which Simon Moore fields calmly.

Pleasingly both teams are in traditional colours.

Red and white stripes with black shorts for the home side.

Coventry's kit is back to the 1970s, classic era. Can just see Ian Wallace and Mick Ferguson charging around, rather than Matt Godden and Viktor Gyokeres.

The name's Bond. Darren Bond. He's the man in black in the middle with the whistle.

He'll get us going at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland get us under way.

Sunderland fans have put on an impressive 'tifo' using banners and cards placed on each seat.

It's focused on the local heritage, heavy industry - the ground was built on the old site of Monkwearmouth Colliery.

Forty-odd thousand fans have made a good job of setting the scene here. There's a huge banner with the city skyline on it, proclaiming proudly: 'THIS IS WEARSIDE'.

Prokofiev's Dance of the Knights blares out, before the teams emerge and the crowd erupts.

It's a great scene.

Clive Eakin
BBC CWR Sport

Sky Blues fans loved last season. The team returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena and unexpectedly pushed for a play-off place. Although they ultimately fell short they treated us to some exciting football and had the thrilling habit of scoring stoppage-time winners.

So can they live up to increased expectations this time? Crucially they have, so far at least, held on to their key players, notably Callum O’Hare, Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres, who have all been subject to transfer speculation. Striker Matty Godden starts the campaign fit and scoring goals in pre-season, after missing much of last season.

Only one first team permanent signing has been recruited, Kasey Palmer from Bristol City. Loan signings Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle and Tayo Adaramola replace last season’s loans in defence.

Although they seem more stably financed than in the recent past, the club remains on one of the lower budgets in the division and manager Mark Robins insists the first aim is to be an established Championship club. But the fans are looking forward to the new campaign with eager anticipation.

Nick Barnes
BBC Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

There has been a significant change in mood at Sunderland.

Promotion following four seasons in League One, and a change in the ownership situation, has re-energised the fanbase.

More than 30,000 season tickets have been sold for the new campaign and there has been a positive reaction to the signings made so far, albeit there is still work to be done if Sunderland are to have a competitive squad for the Championship.

One, but probably two strikers is a must and there has been much talk of a return for the popular Nathan Broadhead - and hopes they can attract Troy Parrott from Spurs.

Overall, though, the squad is youthful but with a spine of experience in Alex Pritchard, Corry Evans and Bailey Wright. Alex Neil is a popular head coach and knows the Championship inside out. Hopefully Sunderland will, for once, start and end the season with the same man in charge.