Sunderland sealed a crucial three points against promotion rivals Portsmouth and moved two points away from second place in League One.
Sunderland edged the first half and got the lead through star man Charlie Wyke with his 26th in all competitions. Sunderland doubled their lead on the hour mark with a Jordan Jones finish and comfortably saw out the reminder of the half to seal the points, and a first win at Fratton park in 24 years.
Portsmouth have been Sunderland's biggest rivals in League One, with both sides looking to bolster their promotion chances.
Josh Scowen for Ollie Younger was the only change for Lee Johnson's men as the lads looked to build upon a great run of form in a massive clash at Fratton Park.
Despite Portsmouth’s poor form, they had started the game well but without testing Lee Burge but had tested the Sunderland backline with several early crosses.
Sunderland's first chance of the game came through Aiden McGeady; the Irishman cut inside with some brilliant skill and unleashed a fierce effort from range which was brilliantly saved by Craig MacGillivray.
From the following corner, Sunderland took the lead through top scorer Wyke; Jordan Jones whipped in a lovely ball to Wyke, who was left unmarked and couldn’t miss from six yards out.
McGeady was proving to be a menace on the left-hand side, with his lovely footwork he beat his man and whipped in a lovely ball in which was just defended at the back post and dropped to safety.
Portsmouth created their best opening in the half as John Marquis was slipped in behind Dion Sanderson and was too busy looking for a penalty as he fluffed his lines.
Going into the break, Sunderland will have been pleased with their work so far, but with a slender lead, the game was still up for grabs.
Similarly, to start of the first half, Portsmouth were in control of possession but were struggling to create anything of note.
Jones was causing his man all sorts of problems down the right-hand side, his pace and quality into the box was Pompey serious issues.
Portsmouth switched off and gifted an opportunity for Jones who raced through on goal and dinked a beautiful effort over McGillivray to make it 2-0.
Tom Flanagan returned to the team, as Aiden O’Brien was forced off with an injury which meant Sunderland moved to a five at the back system.
At times, Johnson’s men looked imperious. They were clearing playing with a huge amount of confidence and were enjoying their football.
Sunderland came so close to making it 3-0 and ending the game; McFadzean played a great ball into Wyke who looked like he couldn’t miss from a yard out, but he couldn’t sort his feet out, and McGillivray managed to pounce on the ball.
To a man, Sunderland had been excellent. Johnson had perfectly set up his team and looked like an outfit bang in form. Luke O’Nien, in an unfamiliar role at the back, was a standout performer with an immense display.
Full Time: Portsmouth 0-2 Sunderland
ALS Man of the Match: Jordan Jones
Sunderland: Burge; Power, Sanderson, O’Nien, McFadzean; Jones (Maguire 80’), Winchester, Scowen, McGeady (Gooch 86’); O’Brien (Flanagan 60’), Wyke
Subs Not Used: Matthews, Vokins, Neil and Diamond
