It may not have been pretty but Sunderland's win against Leeds was an effective away performance that keeps them in the frame for a finish in the European places.
Eyebrows may have been raised when boss Regis le Bris opted to use this game to hand Melker Ellborg his debut in goal, but the 22-year-old acquitted himself well, particularly in handling the jeers from the home fans when he was deemed to have been time-wasting.
He managed to deal with Leeds' efforts comfortably too as his side gained a battling third win in 13 league games.
Sunderland undoubtedly got a degree of fortune for the winner, but looked a more solid and dangerous side when captain Granit Xhaka was introduced 11 minutes into the second half.
It has been an impressive top-flight return for the Black Cats, who have now reached the 40-point target that Le Bris wanted and usually guarantees another season of Premier League football.
They also finally ended their March madness, having been winless in 17 previous top-flight games during this month since beating QPR in 2012.
