Martin O'Neill watched his new Sunderland side squander a two-goal lead before Wes Brown's late header clinched a 3-2 victory at Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday.
In the clash of two relegation threatened sides, goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Stephane Sessegnon put Sunderland in control before QPR struck twice in four minutes.
Heidar Helguson started the comeback in the 63rd minute when he bundled Alejandro Faurlin's cross into the net and the Icelandic striker then turned provider, knocking the ball down for Jamie Mackie.
QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny kept his side level with two magnificent saves but he could do nothing to stop Brown's header in the 89th.
While QPR is two points above the Premier League relegation zone, Sunderland is now a point and a place higher up the standings.
