The Egyptian winger was a constant menace to Stoke defenders with his pinpoint crosses and blistering pace as Sunderland consoled their fans after a humiliating 5-1 defeat by Newcastle last week.

He was substituted with 15 minutes remaining, making way for 34-year-old Dutch midfielder Boudewijn Zenden.

Stoke finished with ten men after Ryan Shawcross was sent off eight minutes from time after picking up two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

Ghana striker Gyan, a close season arrival, scored early and late goals to give Sunderland their third league victory.

Elmohamady, who maintained his 100% appearances in the Premier League, had a hand in Sunderland's opening goal after nine minutes.

The 23-year-old exchanged passes with a teammate down the right, evaded a defender and crossed low for Nedum Onuoha to drill a low shot that was saved by Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic.

Gyan scored on the rebound on his first league start to put the Black Cats in front.

Elmohamady remained lively after Sunderland took the lead, whipping in several precise crosses which unsettled the visitors' defense.

Steed Malbranque wasted an opportunity to double Sunderland's advantage when his penalty was saved by Begovic.

Elmohamady and his teammates eased off in the second half as they sat back to preserve their lead.

Stoke piled on pressure but Gyan killed off their hopes in the 86th minute after connecting with a cross from substitute Kieran Richardson to fire a low shot home.