Sunderland kept up their unbeaten start to the season, making it three wins in a row, against Rochdale last night.
After draws in their opening fixtures, they've now beaten Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup as well as Portsmouth and Rochdale in the league. Last night's game was not straightforward though, with the hosts proving to be a strong and capable opponent.
Aiden McGeady opened the scoring for the visitors, but a Callum Camps strike levelled things quickly.
In the absence of Marc McNulty, Charlie Wyke started up front and it was his goal that won the tie. Clever play worked the ball out wide and following Aiden McGeady's knock-down, Wyke swept in from close range.
They held out for the win, despite some impressive play from Rochdale in the final stages. Whilst the result was a victory for Jack Ross' side, it doesn't tell the whole tale of the encounter.
It pushed the Black Cats into the top six, although that means very little at this early stage of the season. Supporters came away from Spotland having learnt a few things about their side, which we examine below.
Wyke's on form
Charlie Wyke struggled for form last season and when Will Grigg joined the club he fell down the pecking order. With Marc McNulty coming in, it seemed as though the former Bradford man's days were numbered.
Instead, he's risen to the challenge and bagged his second goal of the season last night. His all-round play was very strong and he might just be a surprise package this season.
McGeady reliance
This is a lesson they've been taught time and again, but they rely too heavily on McGeady. He scored the opener, created the second and was a menace all evening.
That was in sharp contrast to some of his teammates who looked stifled and unsure going forward. The spark comes from McGeady and if the 33-year-old were to get injured, Sunderland would have a serious problem.
Still not quite right
Something still isn't quite right about this Sunderland side. They huffed and puffed to victory in a game that they looked to struggle in for large parts. Rochdale are not thought to be relegation fodder, but they matched the Black Cats in several key areas.
There is still a disjointed feel to the flow of Sunderland's play and although they have quality in the squad, they need to settle into a rhythm,
With three wins on the spin from a side not yet hitting form, fans do have plenty to be excited about when it finally does click.