Richard Mennear's analysis: Long way to go but David Moyes deserves credit for upturn in Sunderland fortunes

Jermain Defoe drives home his opener for Sunderland against Hull. Picture by Frank Reid

Before kick-off, a huge banner with the face of Charlie Hurley and the words '˜The King' made its way across the South Stand.

On the pitch, the great man himself was joined by members of the 1963-64 promotion-winning side, which he captained, to mark ‘Charlie Hurley Day’.

Earlier, there had been a ceremony to mark the famous gates in his name – which had stood at the entrance of the former training ground – being officially relocated to the Stadium of Light.

The atmosphere was building, the stage was set. And the current Sunderland team held up their end of the bargain when the action got underway.

After a very nervy start, in which visitors Hull City should have taken the lead, Sunderland regrouped, regained their composure and went on to secure a crucial 3-0 win.

Even in November, this was a must-win game.

Hull, despite having three wins to their name, have the worst goals for, goals against and goal difference record in the division.

Had Sunderland lost, all the good work at Bournemouth would have been cast aside and the spotlight again inevitably thrust onto David Moyes.

However, Sunderland, in a game that just about had it all and with owner Ellis Short watching on from the stands, came up trumps.

First home win of the season. Check. First clean sheet. Check. Off the bottom of the table. Check.

Even a 10-minute delay while the electricity was reinstated didn’t deter Sunderland. Instead, it seemed to inspire them.

The fans took the unorthodox break in play to get their mobile phones out, beams of light dotted around the Stadium of Light.