Sunderland's nightmare start to the season continued on Saturday afternoon, as they were soundly beaten by Norwich City, as the newly promoted side ran out 3-1 winners.

An awful start to the season for Sunderland

Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker had put the away side 2-0 up at half time, before Nathan Redmond made it three to a chorus of boo's from the home fans, who were rapidly emptying the stadium. Young substitute Duncan Watmore did score a late consolation, but it meant little in the end.

It's the second straight defeat for Dick Advocaat's side after the 4-2 thumping against Leicester City last week, and has left fans and pundits alike with concerns over whether or not the Black Cats have enough to stay up.

First half

There were early signs of positivity for the Sunderland fans, with new signing Yann M'Vila thrust into the midfield for his debut, just days after signing. 

Applause was heard whenever the Frenchman got on the ball in the early stages, as he showed composure and awareness to help Sunderland ping the ball around, however he couldn't prevent Norwich getting the first chance of the game.

Nathan Redmond, selected to start for Norwich after a glittering cameo in last week's game against Crystal Palace, set up Robbie Brady in the middle of the pitch, but the Irishman could only shoot high and wide. 

There were some poor challenges going in too, as both Sebastian Bassong and Jeremain Lens picked up bookings for poor tackles, with the latter lucky to avoid recieving a second yellow minutes later, as he committed another questionable foul on the left wing.

The home side did miss a good chance on the counter attack, with Jermain Defoe failing to get his shot away after neat play from Lens, before the opening goal went to Norwich.

Norwich strike with two quick goals

It was somewhat lucky for the visitors, as Norwich worked a short corner to Robbie Brady, he struck a long range shot which was saved by Pantilimon, only for it to come out and bounce off the shin of Martin, rolling in.

Things were certainly going to get worse before they got better for Sunderland, as Norwich went 2-0 up just 10 minutes later.

With Sebastian Coates and Costel Pantilimon both called into action just before the goal, they couldn't stop Steven Whittaker as he doubled the lead following some more poor defending.

Wes Hoolahan and Whittaker played a simple one-two inside the box, with the latter easily strolling past left-back Patrick van Aanholt before he slotted past Pantilimon.

Boo's rang out around the stadium, and there were stewards trying to persuade the fans not to leave before half-time, as Cameron Jerome curled an effort around the post just two minutes after Whittaker's goal.

Dick Advocaat was an unhappy man at half-time. After describing last week's performance as 'scary' his team weren't playing any better, and he made a quick substitution with Danny Graham on for Sebastian Larsson.

Redmond makes it three on the hour mark

It's fair to say that the change didn't work, as Redmond made it three on the hour mark. Hoolahan again the provider with a one-two move, as Redmond walzed into the box from the right hand side, and produced a cool finish at the near post.

Knowing that the three points were all but gone, Sunderland's work-rate, not that it had been anything special beforehand, dropped going into the final half hour. The Canaries were content in knocking the ball around casually.

Youngster Watmore gets a late goal

The loudest response that the home fans produced all day was for a substitute, as Duncan Watmore came on for his debut in the 70th minute.

Immediately Watmore was rushing around, closing Norwich players down and running at the defence. He, and his teammates, did win a number of corners - all of which were cleared easily.

There was a shimmer of positivity for the Black Cats, as Watmore completed a special day for him by scoring in the 88th mintute. Good play from Lens saw him beat three men and earned a free-kick on the edge of the area.

It wasn't a great delivery and got headed out, straight to Watmore whose fairly weak volley didn't look promising, but somehow managed to find it's way into the bottom corner.

For the fans that remained it was a joyous moment, but proved to be the final key moment in the game as the final whistle blew minutes later.

For Advocaat's men, improvement must be made next week at home to Swansea City, as they are still searching for their first points of the new season.

Norwich, buoyed by their win, host Stoke in their next game.