A goalless first half at CCS left me feeling like it was going to be one of those days.
Cardiff had created a number of chances but did not convert and once or twice the quick ball out by the visitors threatened to catch City on the break. We've seen it a number of times before and with the last four League games all ending in defeat I was a little pessimistic.
So much so I tweeted the following at half time
"HT 0-0. The way this is going out your money on a 1-0 to Sunderland. Both sides frustrating to watch. City with a number of decent chances and should be in front. But Sunderland a threat on the break. #pessimist"
It only took 55 seconds for Callum Paterson to stuff those words back down my throat as he headed the first of his two goals. His second, a smart volley into the far corner in the 80th minute came either side of a red card for Sunderland's Didier Ndong for a mis-timed tackle on Junior Hoilett and a superb end to end goal started by Hoilett via Ken Zohore and smashed home by Man of the Match Joe Ralls.
New signing Yanic Wildschut made his debut and looked a good addition with direct running at Sunderland and also off the bench came Anthony Pilkington who scored City's 4th with the last play of the game.
The temporarily lifted City back into 2nd place but Derby's 3 - 0 win at Birmingham in the 3pm kick off saw them regain 2nd. There was better news elsewhere as Bristol City and Leeds both lost but Ason Villa continue to make progress and are just three points behind the Bluebirds now.
Attention now turns to the FA Cup. Yesterday's win will help the confidence levels and with the prize of a home game with Manchester City awaiting the winners of the Mansfield v Cardiff clash Neil Wanock is sure to turn to his top players for the cup replay.
That replay is on Tuesday at 7:45pm. The winners will face Man City on Sunday January 28th, ko 4pm. Live on the BBC.