Sunderland picked up three more points in their quest for promotion, moving up to fifth in the table this weekend.

They looked set to rout MK Dons, with a brace inside four first-half minutes. Max Power got a sensational opener for the Black Cats, with Luke O'Nien bagging a second before the half-hour mark.

That left Jack Ross' side in pole position and hoping to push on and add more, but as they've shown in recent weeks they struggle to adequately kill a game off.

MK Dons made it tough for the Mackems and pulled a goal back on 55 minutes through George Williams. It stayed 2-1 despite Sunderland's 18 shots at goal, 12 of which were off target.

It's another win and caps a good week for Jack Ross with Sheffield United beaten in the cup in midweek. As they press on in their quest for a Championship return, there are plenty of lessons being learnt every week.

We look at three things they saw this weekend against MK Dons...

Luke O'Nien

Is there anything this boy cannot do? He's played right-back with aplomb, he's comfortable in a holding role and this weekend he started in the middle of the attack behind Charlie Wyke.

He's a real fan favourite at the Stadium of Light and he chipped in with a goal too. His versatility and popularity is a breath of fresh air for Jack Ross.

McGeady reliance

Has the reliance on Aiden McGeady finally been banished? With 18 shots at goal, albeit many off-target, Sunderland looked to be a good attacking force this weekend.

With Gooch and Maguire both turning in solid performances, perhaps that need for McGeady to spark the positive moves going forward has been diminished. If so, it'll make Sunderland a more potent threat in the coming weeks.

Killing games off

They still can't kill games off. You feel there is a big win coming for them soon, they're looking increasingly potent, but when it comes to putting a game to bed Jack Ross doesn't seem happy to go for the kill.

Despite the wins, it could be the downfall of the former St Mirren boss because the home fans want to see a ruthlessness to their play which is currently lacking.