David Moyes' side overcame the Premier League champions at the Stadium of Light as their talismanic striker Jermain Defoe added yet another goal to his tally.
A tightly contested encounter at the Stadium of Light reached the break without either side being able to break the deadlock.
Robert Huth's own goal after the break put the home side in control after a corner was driven into the defender and deflected in. Defoe then doubled the advantage with a rifled effort before Shinji Okazaki pulled one back for the visitors, but it was too little too late.
More to follow.