Ellis Simms and Ross Stewart, for the brief time they featured as a partnership, looked a very dangerous force to be reckoned with.
The pair have ten goals between them and looked like helping Sunderland hit great heights upon their return to the Championship after a four year absence.
However, injury struck and both have faced extended periods on the sidelines as they recover from their respective injuries.
Black Cats supporters will be hoping to see the duo back in action and rekindling their strike partnership very soon - but where do they rank among the Championship’s very best?
Here, we take a look at who WhoScored.com rate as the Championship’s top 20 strikers this season.
Do any of these ratings surprise you? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
1. Scott Hogan - 6.75
Hogan has struggled to settle at a club since switching Brentford for Aston Villa in 2017. However, that may have changed this season with Hogan netting six goals in 15 appearances for Birmingham City, putting him just four goals behind his 10 goal haul for the Blues last season. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Callum Robinson - 6.79
The winger has five goal contributions this season, despite playing in a relatively goal-shy Cardiff City side. Only Coventry City have scored less than Cardiff this season, but Robinson’s efforts are helping to keep the Bluebirds above water for now. Photo: Matthew Lewis
3. Elijah Adebayo - 6.80
Adebayo has become Luton’s talisman in recent years and this season is no different as Nathan Jones’ side aim to replicate their successes last campaign. Photo: Tony Marshall
4. Teemu Pukki - 6.82
Pukki has scored four goals for the Canaries this year. His last two Championship seasons have seen the Finland international net 45 goals in total. Photo: Gareth Copley