Sunderland lead West Ham United 1-0 at the half-time break at the Stadium of Light.
The hosts began brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute through Sebastian Larsson.
The Swedish international found the top corner from all of 25 yards, causing the Stadium of Light to erupt in celebration.
Stephane Sessegnon showed his trickery in jinking past James Collins before firing at goal, but he dragged his shot wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen's far post.
Collins was forced to withdraw through injury before the end of the first half, with James Tomkins coming on as his replacement.
