Sunderland brushed aside some of the negativity in the build-up to the visit of Stoke City with a 3-1 Championship win at the Stadium of Light.
Michael Beale had urged fans to be more positive and get behind the team after a three-game losing streak, but his preparations were hampered by Alex Pritchard's decision to withdraw his services and declare his intent to leave just a day before.
Amid the turbulence, Beale's players gave the home support in a 41,000-plus crowd plenty to cheer once Mason Burstow had put them ahead inside the six-yard box just before half-time.