Managerless Sunderland got back on the winning trail at the first attempt following Tony Mowbray's departure as they deservedly beat West Bromwich Albion.
Dan Ballard and Dan Neil scored the goals at the Stadium of Light as the hosts won for the first time in four games.
Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back for the Baggies late on, just two minutes after Neil had run clear on the break to make it 2-0.
But Albion had nothing more to give as they succumbed to a second successive 2-1 defeat as Sunderland's players gave the perfect response to Monday's surprise sacking of Mowbray.