Sunderland 0-1 Manchester City
Sunderland were frustrated by a resolute Man City side that stood firm to claim a vital three points at the Stadium of Light. Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of the game after 16 minutes, latching onto a deflected cross before finishing expertly into the top corner.
Lamine Kone made his full debut, while Jan Kirchhoff got his first taste of football at the Stadium of Light. New signings Dame N’Doye and Wahbi Khazri had to settle for places on the bench, the latter replacing Jeremain Lens at half-time.
The possession stats of 50%-50% were a fairer reflection on the game, as were the two bookings picked up by City late on for time-wasting.
Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland
A spirited comeback saw Sunderland claim an unlikely point against Liverpool, with a last-gasp equaliser from Player of the Season Jermain Defoe. After a gritty goalless first half, Roberto Firmino leapt well to convert a James Milner cross and open the scoring. The Brazilian shone again soon after, setting up Adam Lallana for a simple tap-in.
But as 77 minutes hit the scoreboard, Liverpool fans left in their droves in a protest about ticket prices, only to miss out on an incredible comeback.
Two goals in the closing eight minutes saw Sunderland snatch a late point, leaving the absent Jurgen Klopp wondering what might have been.
Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United
A first Sunderland goal for Wahbi Khazri and a dramatic late own goal via the head of Lamine Kone saw the Black Cats claim their first ever league victory over Manchester United at the Stadium of Light.
With the game moved to lunchtime as the televised kick-off, Khazri wasted no time in putting the Black Cats ahead with a free kick that eluded everyone after just three minutes.
United equalised before half-time, after Vito Mannone had done well to palm away a Juan Mata strike. Anthony Martial was fastest to react and cleverly chipped over the Italian who was unable to recover quickly enough.
But the three points were claimed eight minutes from time as Kone met a Khazri corner with a thunderous downward header which David De Gea bundled over the line.
West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland were left frustrated again as Allardyce’s former side edged a closely-fought encounter in East London.
Michail Antonio scored the only goal after 31 minutes, a curling effort into the corner after some lax defending from the visitors.
Like against City earlier in the month the Black Cats had their chances, Jack Rodwell spurning the best of them as he looked to push forward.
Andy Carroll struck the underside of the crossbar twice, but at the other end Sunderland failed to capitalise in the final third.