Norwich City heaped more misery on Sunderland with a 3-1 triumph at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Alex Neil's Canaries landed their first win since returning to England's top flight thanks to goals from Russell Martin, Steven Whittaker and Nathan Redmond before Duncan Watmore grabbed a late consolation for the Black Cats.
The loss has Dick Advocaat's Sunderland reeling and already in crisis mode while Norwich will be full of confidence after quickly opening their account for the new campaign.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Sunderland: 1 (Duncan Watmore 88')
Norwich City: 3 (Russell Martin 26', Steven Whittaker 37', Nathan Redmond 56')
Stadium of Light, Sunderland - 41,379
TALKING POINTS
- Can Advocaat pull Sunderland out of this early-season nightmare?
- Are Norwich good enough to take it up to the top clubs or does a win over Sunderland appear better than it really is?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Sunderland will be eager to get on the board when they host Swansea next weekend as Norwich prepare for the visit of Stoke.
TWITTER INSIGHT
https://t.co/28Ja2DlEQZ
— Redderz (@NathanRedmond22) August 16, 2015First win of the season..hopefully the 1st of many..we thanks you all for your support..get back home safe..God be with you all!..#faith
— Sebastien Bassong (@BassongOfficiel) August 15, 2015Advocaat: 'Everybody expected more I know I did and I know the fans did; it was disappointing' http://t.co/RRp6Bsj5Egpic.twitter.com/F1HR62C97n
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 15, 2015
QUOTES CORNER
Sunderland's Advocaat on his side's situation:
"I have to know why that can happen because it's really strange for me. You can play badly and badly, but not knowing what to do is even worse."
Norwich boss Neill on first win:
"Those three points, we will gain a lot of confidence from that and hopefully go into the game next week and hope to replicate how we have been playing."
STATS SPECIALS
7 - Sunderland have conceded seven goals in their opening two league games for the first time since 1970-71. Humbled.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 15, 2015
TEAM LEADERS
SUNDERLAND
Goals - Jermain Defoe, Steven Fletcher, Duncan Watmore 1
Assists - Adam Johnson, Jeremain Lens 1
Yellow cards - Five players all on 1
NORWICH
Goals - Nathan Redmond 2
Assists - Wes Hoolahan 3
Yellow cards - Alexander Tettey 2
