Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s first Premier League goal put Frank Lampard’s side ahead 17 minutes in, Taiwo Awoniyi’s first league goal for Coventry doubled the lead eight minutes before the break and Jack Rudoni all but killed it early in the second half.

Sunderland were offered a little hope when Enzo Le Fee sent Carl Rushworth the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 67th minute, but they grew increasingly frustrated and finished the match with 10 men as Omar Alderete was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Lampard insisted this week it was too early in the season to worry about the table, but this was a much-needed win after last Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Fulham, another side who had arrived at the CBS Arena in the bottom three.

Both of Coventry’s first-half goals came after defensive mix-ups from Sunderland, who may be thriving in cup competitions with four wins from five, but who have only five points from nine Premier League games, and only one point from five on the road this season.

Regis Le Bris has welcomed the challenge of continental football this season, but his side have taken just one Premier League point since their Europa League campaign kicked off in mid-September, with this another afternoon where they will look back with regret at several missed chances.