Stoke caretaker manager Ryan Shawcross said his first win in temporary charge is "the sort of thing you dream of".
The former Potters centre-back was put in interim control following the sacking of Narcis Pelach two days earlier.
And he saw an immediate reaction from the players as they clinched a dramatic win against the Black Cats.
"It was a really strong performance and at times I thought we looked a really good team," Shawcross told BBC Radio Stoke.
"The game plan was a risky one as I wanted the lads to go for it and get after Sunderland.