Sunderland have now made it three away games without defeat after securing a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. 

Mike Dodds' side scored the only goal of the game in first half stoppage time when Pierre Ekwah converted with an excellent first time finish from Callum Styles' corner just moments after West Brom found themselves reduced to 10-men following the dismissal of forward Brandon Thomas-Asante. 

Thomas-Asante received two quickfire yellow cards; first for a rash sliding challenge on Jack Clarke before seconds later catching defender Dan Ballard both high and late. And Sunderland wasted little time in making their numerical advantage count with Ekwah grabbing his fifth goal of the season.

It allowed Sunderland to see the game out at their own pace and desire in the second half, something they managed comfortably, as they came away from the West Midlands with three points and another clean sheet. 

 

READ MORE: 

 

That's now five clean sheets in their last six Championship games as interim head coach Dodds continues to garner a response from his players in recent weeks following the 5-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. 

But at what cost are those clean sheets coming? Sunderland's attacking impetus has reduced in favour of their defensive solidity but can Dodds find a balance between the two?

Matty Hewitt and Joe Ramage review the win over West Brom and Sunderland's defence versus attack dilemma in our latest We Are Sunderland briefing as well as reflecting on another strong showing from Ballard as the defender dealt with a hostile reception both on and off the field at the Hawthorns. 

You can view our latest briefing below and via our YouTube channel.

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for free to stay up to date with all of our latest briefings and exclusive interviews.