Alan Shearer leaves Match of the Day studio in stitches before reacting to Sunderland flashpoint vs Nottingham Forest
Sunderland picked up their first away win back in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Omar Alderete was the difference between the two sides, with his first goal in Mackem colours settling the contest at the City Ground.
A third win of the season saw Sunderland jump to fourth in the table, just four points off league leaders Liverpool.
Sunderland have made a hugely impressive start and so far they are belying the expectations of those pundits who tipped the Black Cats for relegation.
There has been plenty of praise for Regis Le Bris' side, who are now five games unbeaten, their only loss coming to fellow promoted side Burnley back in August.
Alan Shearer left in stitches before praising an inform Sunderland side
Alan Shearer is a hugely unpopular figure on Wearside given his connection to rivals Newcastle United.
Shearer has already been derided by Sunderland fans for some of his coverage this season on Match of the Day.
And presenter Kelly Cates alluded to that, when she asked on Saturday's episode of Match of the Day: "Are you not going to rain on their parade, Alan?"
Shearer laughed at the question and had Micah Richards in hysterics when he replied: "I've been waiting all season to give them praise, and they deserve it.
"Everyone put in a right shift for the manager and the away fans."
The Blackcats scored a brilliant free kick to get the only goal of the game, finished off by Alderete.
"They work it extremely well...it is a fantastic goal," Shearer added.
Sunderland were also solid at the back with Robin Roefs dropping another Man of the Match performance, making six saves, preventing 2.16 expected goals.
Roefs' statistics this season:
- Three clean sheets
- 100% Penalty save record - 1/1
- 20 saves
- 3.08XG prevented
However, the game was not without controversy as Sunderland were lucky to receive the free kick, which they converted.
Sunderland in the race for European football?
Sunderland's bright start to the season has come against a backdrop of so-called experts who mainly tipped the Black Cats for the drop.
The Mackems were tipped to go down by many rival fans and pundits, but have been outstanding so far this season with some impressive results away at both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Sitting eight points clear of the drop already, Sunderland fans may already be dreaming of a European tour despite only playing in League One just three years ago.
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