David Moyes warned that Sunderland face another relegation battle after a brace from Christian Stuani on his Middlesbrough debut was enough to give the visitors all three points yesterday.

“It’s been like that for the last few seasons, so why wouldn’t it be the same this season?” the Sunderland boss replied when asked if defeats in their opening two games would leave the Black Cats battling to beat the drop again. “People will be flat because they are expecting a dramatic change but things can’t dramatically change.”

However, Moyes felt his side deserved at least a point for their efforts, arguing that injuries to key players had hindered them. “We were patched up for a long part of the game and we couldn’t keep the intensity up in the second half because we didn’t have the legs left.”

Despite an improved performance there were still signs of the old Sunderland; prone to costly lapses in concentration and weak in front of goal. But this was no smash-and-grab raid from Middlesbrough. Their two goals were both worthy of victory.

“I’m very pleased, especially for the players,” said Boro boss Aitor Karanka. “We have shown we are ready to play in the Premier League. I’m also pleased for the fans. They’ve been waiting seven years for a derby and now they have a win.”

The Spaniard saw his side ahead within a quarter of an hour after Patrick van Aanholt lost the ball just inside Sunderland’s half, before allowing Christian Stuani time and space to surge forward and unleash a curling screamer past Vito Mannone from 25-yards out.

Just before half time the Uruguayan grabbed a second with another delightful goal, although this time it was all about the build-up. Adam Forshaw played a one-two with Gaston Ramirez before playing in Alvaro Negredo, who deceived Jack Rodwell before crossing to Stuani who tapped home.

Van Aanholt, Jermain Defoe and Adnan Januzaj all went close as Sunderland cranked up the pressure after the break. Duncan Watmore in particular was excellent and the inevitable goal came with 19 minutes to play.

The youngster found himself in space and unleashed a rasping 25-yard shot straight at Brad Guzan. The Boro keeper couldn’t hold it and Van Aanholt beat George Friend to the loose ball to score.

However, Sunderland couldn’t find a second and are still waiting their first win in a League game in August since 2010.