A late penalty from Fabio Borini continued Sunderland's unbeaten pre-season record with a 3-2 win over Dijon FC.
Sunderland had a bright start to the first half, with a chance from Whabi Khazri before youngster Joel Asoro gave the Black Cats the lead. Fabio Borini and Loïs Diony had good chances but couldn't add to the scoreline in the first half.
It proved a even crazier second period, with Dylan Bahamboula firing in the equaliser, before Khazri regained the North East side's lead. Jérémie Bela pegged back the Black Cats, but it was Borini who proved the difference as his penalty secured the win.
Bright start to the contest
Sunderland had made an excellent start to their pre-season campaign, winning all three of their games so far, despite the managerial change and that continued in Evian.
They nearly took the lead after the five minutes, with Khazri standing over the free kick on the edge of the area. The winger whipped towards the near post, but Foaud Chafik did brilliantly to tip it away.
However, it wasn't long before David Moyes' side took the lead. Asoro staked his claim to be involved more frequently, as he made a blistering run down the wing, to get on the end of seemingly wasted ball. His pace proved too much for Jordan Loties and the youngster did brilliantly to open his body, placing the ball into the bottom corner.
Going for more
Borini almost made it two after some good build up play between Jeremain Lens and Jack Rodwell. The Dutch winger produced a great ball which saw Rodwell make the overlap, his cross found Borini who volleyed wide but the flag was up for offside.
The Ligue 1 side had rarely troubled Jordan Pickford's goal as Diony firedh a dangerous ball into the area, but Pickford collected very well at the near post.
Crazy start to the half
Dijon came out for the second period and were eventually rewarded for their efforts, Bela produced a mazy run just minutes after the restart, after he was allowed time and space to make it to the edge of the area, but his shot was well wide of the mark.
Sunderland were eventually punished for their lack of intensity in the defensive area, as the French side equalised. Bahamboula produced a very similar run to that of his teammate only seconds later, but this time his effort was on target, and despite the efforts of Pickford, who managed to get a hand on it, he couldn't keep it out of the net.
Sunderland were only behind for a matter of minutes, as the Black Cats managed to regain their lead on the hour mark. Asoro had proved a revelation and was at it again, the 17-year-old produced a excellent one-touch assist for Khazri and he coolly slotted into the bottom corner.
Italian seals the win
The intensity of the match continued as the the match was drawing to a close, and for the second time in the match, Dijon leveled the score. It was another soft goal to concede from a Sunderland perspective, as Bela was once again allowed space and unlike his first attempt, he was on target as he fired past Pickford.
Duncan Watmore was brought on by Moyes looking to secure the win, and it looked a masterstroke as he won the winning penalty, The youngster showed blistering pace as he got to the by-line, and managed to get the ball which was handled in the process. The Italian Stallion stood over the penalty and made no mistake as he slotted home the winner.
Borini almost added a fourth with eight minutes to play, It was off his own back as he flicked the ball up for the volley and it looked destined for greatness, but it was inches over the crossbar but enough had been done to continue their record.