Sunderland secured their Premier League status for another season on Wednesday night by beating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.
Jack Colback broke the deadlock in just the 13th minute with a calm finish from close range, before Fabio Borini doubled the lead with a fine volley to leave Ben Foster helpless.
Despite a promising start to the second half, West Brom were unable to produce a response as the Black Cats eased to victory in front of a delighted set of home supporters.
Below, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the key talking points from the match.
Match statistics
Sunderland
Shots: 10
On target: 4
Possession: 48%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 14
West Brom
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 52%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
The match statistics are a little deceiving, as Sunderland had taken their foot off the gas slightly when West Brom produced their best spell of pressure in the second half. Gus Poyet's side were dominant in the first half, and their impressive start to the game was more than enough to give them victory. It was a deserved win for the Black Cats, who had the luxury of slowing the game down after half time.
Sunderland's performance
In the first half Sunderland played some of the best football that they have done all season, with Fabio Borini looking lively throughout the match. Lee Cattermole played a key role at both ends of the pitch, but it might be the calm defensive display which gives Poyet the most joy when he looks back at the game.
West Brom's performance
Pepe Mel's side started the game slowly, and it looked like a few of the squad had relaxed after seeing their Premier League status all but secured last week. There was a lack of urgency going forward in the first half, and although they did improve after the break, the Baggies never really looked like setting up a dramatic finish to the game.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lee Cattermole: The midfielder can divide opinion in the football world, but there was no disputing just how good he was this evening. Cattermole was at his best when breaking up play, but his ability to begin attacks with some excellent passes is what really caught the eye.
Biggest gaffe
Jozy Altidore, like a number of other Sunderland players, has not enjoyed a great season, but it may have reached a new low for the American tonight. After coming on as a second-half substitute, Altidore missed the perfect opportunity to score when he somehow prodded the ball wide from just a few yards out.
Referee performance
It was a routine evening at the office for Lee Mason, who wasn't even forced to show a yellow card on a night without controversy at the Stadium of Light.
What next?
Sunderland: The Black Cats will celebrate securing their place in the Premier League for another year by hosting Swansea City on Sunday.
West Brom: It would take something unbelievable for the Baggies to be relegated on Sunday, so they'll be able to relax when they welcome Stoke City to The Hawthorns.
Callum Mulvihill
