Omar Alderete's header was the difference maker as Sunderland defeated Nottingham Forest for their first away victory of the campaign.
It was initially a contentious decision for the free-kick when Nicolas Dominguez tumbled to the turf, and he was booked for simulation. Granit Xhaka capitalised with an exquisite ball to find Omar Alderete, who headed home the opener.
Omari Hutchinson almost proved to be the thorn in Sunderland's defence; however, the visitors clung onto victory and left Forest empty-handed once more with Ange Postecoglou at the helm.
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Story of the Match
How each of the sides shaped up for this contest seemed worlds apart from when they last met competitively in the Championship in 2017.
Both have invested heavily into the squads. Different objectives but similar, lofty ambitions to defy expectations.
Ange Postecoglou was soaking in the City Ground atmosphere from the home dugout for the first time. Supporters were expecting a first victory of his tenure, despite the implementation of the new style gradually coming into fruition.
There were five alterations to Forest's starting lineup, even though Postecoglou opted for the same back four.
Nicolas Dominguez was given the nod to start after returning from a lengthy spell out of action with injury.
Douglas Luiz had some suspected hamstring discomfort following the draw with Real Betis, so he was withdrawn from league duties.
Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa were chosen to feature on the wings as Callum Hudson-Odoi took his seat on the bench.
Morgan Gibbs-White was rarely left out of the lineup under Nuno Espirito Santo, but James McAtee was favoured over him in Postecoglou's maiden home fixture.
Igor Jesus' successful cup outings proved insufficient to displace talisman Chris Wood from leading the line for this Premier League tie.
Although club-record signing Habib Diarra will endure several weeks sidelined after undergoing groin surgery, Regis Le Bris has unprecedented depth at his disposal to contend with his absence.
18-year-old Chris Rigg started in the advanced midfield role after being dragged off when Reinildo Mandava saw red against Aston Villa.
It was a straightforward swap for the latter as former West Ham United left-back Arthur Masuaku came in to make his full league debut for the Black Cats.
He was Le Bris' only change from the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.
Forest could count themselves lucky early on after dithering with their clearance in their own box.
Wilson Isidor was lurking to try to take advantage. He swivelled and swiped an effort instinctively through the legs of Nikola Milenkovic, but it drifted just wide of the target.
Forest would need to be more vigilant of his fine form in front of goal as of late.
The teams seemed tentative to inject intent to rush forward, yet one of the exceptions was Dan Ndoye on the left flank. He showed hunger and electric pace, perhaps with more urgency to stake his claim after missing out entirely in the Europa League opener.
Neco Williams dug out an inviting cross in the 22nd minute, which was met by Wood. His header strayed off target, and this was Forest's first attempt of the contest.
Neither side created anything convincing to warrant an opening goal, and it seemed poised only for a unique moment to disrupt the quite vapid attacking football on display.
Dominguez was booked for simulation when the referee decided that not enough contact was made from Trai Hume's high boot to justify a free-kick.
That verdict proved pivotal to swaying the tie in Sunderland's favour. The visitors still had to make their opportunity count, and their captain, Granit Xhaka, did just that.
The Switzerland international added to his assist against Aston Villa when he swung his delivery towards Omar Alderete.
The centre-back intelligently arced his run from the back without interference by any Forest defender.
Alderete headed past Matz Sels and scored his first goal for Sunderland since joining from Getafe by remaining fractionally onside, approaching half-time.
Dan Ndoye was wreaking havoc when he isolated Hume and went toe-to-toe with him, yet Hume was equal to his trickery when he sharply blocked Ndoye's shot and prevented the equaliser.
It was the first time Sunderland had scored in the first half in the Premier League this season. So, Le Bris needed to muster some wise words for his outfit to be equipped for a situation they had not yet faced since their return to the top flight - defending their early lead.
Given that Dominguez had picked up a yellow card and building up his minutes seemed the best course of action to integrate him back into the squad, Gibbs-White was called upon for the second half to bolster Forest's offensive threat to get back on terms.
Robin Roefs stood firm to repel Nottingham Forest's attacks, which were ramping up as the half progressed.
As Forest entered their least productive period for scoring goals this campaign, Postecoglou turned to reinforcements.
Hudson-Odoi and Jesus were entrusted to rescue the deficit as Forest searched for the answer to overcome the resolute Sunderland defence.
Two efforts from Anderson lacked enough conviction to trouble Roefs, who had been treated to a quite comfortable evening until the 70th minute.
Omari Hutchinson entered proceedings as Bakwa made way. He made an immediate impact with a delightful cross from the right wing.
Hutchinson executed another pinpoint delivery to find his fellow substitute Jesus, whose glancing header tested the Sunderland keeper.
Forest were finding the right approach and urgency to dominate possession and created a flurry of dangerous chances, which Sunderland were only just able to keep at bay.
Wood was the next to receive the services of Hutchinson on two occasions. The first strike was saved strongly by Roefs before the usually reliable striker miscued his uncontested header from close range, and Postecoglou was left visibly frustrated with the all-important result slipping away.
Despite going all guns blazing for the equaliser, Sunderland were able to thwart their opportunities and hang onto another victory. Nottingham Forest, under their new manager, were denied maximum points yet again.
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Player of the Match - Robin Roefs
The Sunderland keeper was at the heart of withstanding a late onslaught from Nottingham Forest, making crucial saves to get his team over the line.
He has proved to be another solid signing to cope with the demands of the Premier League for Sunderland, and he deservedly earned his second clean sheet of the campaign.
