Omar Alderete’s first-half header secured Sunderland their maiden away victory of the season as they edged Nottingham Forest 1-0 in Ange Postecoglou’s first home outing in charge.
The Paraguayan defender rose highest to convert Granit Xhaka’s free-kick midway through the first half, punishing Forest after Nicolás Domínguez was controversially booked for simulation on the edge of his own box.
It was Alderete’s first goal for the Black Cats and ultimately the game’s defining moment.
Forest, who have not won since the opening weekend, failed to register a shot on target before the break.
Sunderland nearly capitalised earlier when Wilson Isidor pounced on Domínguez’s miscontrol inside the area, only to drag his effort narrowly wide.
The second half painted a different picture as Forest pushed forward relentlessly.
Substitute goalkeeper Robin Roefs became the hero for the visitors, producing a string of outstanding saves to deny Elliot Anderson, Igor Jesus, Omari Hutchinson, and Callum Hudson-Odoi as Postecoglou’s side threw everything forward.
Morgan Gibbs-White, surprisingly left on the bench, was among the second-half reinforcements alongside Hudson-Odoi and Igor Jesus, injecting energy into Forest’s attack.
Gibbs-White’s overhead attempt and a pinpoint cross for Chris Wood, who headed wide with the goal gaping, were as close as the hosts came to rescuing a point.
Despite their pressure, Sunderland carried a threat on the counter. Bertrand Traoré tested Matz Sels after a quick break, while Arthur Masuaku and teenager Chris Rigg could have stretched the lead earlier.
The result lifted Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland into the Champions League places with a third win of the campaign, while Postecoglou is still searching for his first victory in five games as Forest boss.
