by Roger Domeneghetti, at the Stadium of Light

Gus Poyet said the goals would come for his Sunderland side and the prediction proved correct as they grabbed a much-needed first win of the season on Saturday.

“It wasn’t our best game,” said Poyet, “but we performed well and were outstanding in front of goal.

“Now we can say we have lost one in seven, which we haven’t been able to over the last few seasons.

“Something is going well.”

They were ahead after just five minutes when Steven Fletcher turned quickly in the box, received a fortunate bounce of the ball after a challenge from Marc Muniesa and then delivered a pinpoint cross to Connor Wickham, who rose above Phil Bardsley to power a header past Asmir Begovic.

Just 10 minutes later Stoke were level after Victor Moses went on a powerful run half the length of the pitch before feeding Charlie Adam, who ghosted into the home area, avoided the attention of John O’Shea and drilled a shot low into the far corner.

But Sunderland were soon back in front when an unmarked Fletcher headed home from a corner for his first goal of the calendar year.

The home side sealed the win with 12 minutes left.

Wickham picked the ball up just inside his own half, surged into the Stoke box and pulled the ball back for second-half substitute Jack Rodwell, who air-kicked the chance, but Fletcher was on hand and made no mistake gratefully lashing the ball into the roof of the net.