Teenager Chris Rigg's brilliant backheel gives Sunderland a narrow derby win | Championship

Régis Le Bris not only holds a doctorate in human physiology and biomechanics, but also a diploma in the mental preparation of elite athletes, making him a rather unusual manager of the championship.

Given that the 48-year-old Sunderland boss only took charge of a senior team for the first time two years ago, it was surprising when the Frenchman, who suffered relegation at Lorient from Ligue 1, moved from Brittany to Wearside this summer.

However, this bold move is proving increasingly inspired as Le Bris' dynamic young side secured their fifth win in six league games.

They have not conceded a single goal at home this season and seem determined to fulfil their manager's promise to “bring joy to the Sunderland fans”.

In front of 42,781 spectators, Le Bris' first Wear Tees derby ended in victory that banished memories of Sunderland's unexpected defeat at Plymouth last Saturday and secured three valuable points against potential promotion rivals.

A misty, overcast afternoon, with slate-grey clouds hanging so low in the sky that from a distance the Stadium of Light looked in danger of sinking into the adjacent River Wear, was crying out for light. Thankfully Chris Rigg was there to provide it. After 24 minutes, Middlesbrough were dominating and Sunderland's 17-year-old midfielder was well placed to strike after George Edmundson had blocked Patrick Roberts' shot. Noticing Seny Dieng helpless, Rigg overcame an awkward angle to boldly backheel the ball over the line.

Given the average age of the Sunderland team is 23, it no doubt helps that Le Bris made his name as a youth coach in France, producing a number of top players, including Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. “Our attitude is very strong,” said Sunderland's manager. “And Chris Rigg is a symbol of our process, our model; he always wants to learn, improve and understand the game better.”

Boro had reason to rue the first moment when the unmarked Tommy Conway almost scored from a superb cross by Isaiah Jones, but instead had to watch as his header clipped the bar.

Until Riggs' opening goal, Boro had frustrated the home team's players and spectators with a patient build-up strategy based on short passing that gave the visitors a good degree of control.

Boro's problem has been that they have struggled to create clear-cut chances, leaving Anthony Patterson underwhelmed in the home goal. If this situation was perhaps exacerbated by the tough challenge from Sunderland's Trai Hume in the first half, which seemed to hamper Emmanuel Latte Lath's effectiveness as a centre-forward, the lack of goals from open play has proved a worrying recent issue.

Boro had one shot on goal and were intercepted by their opponents, who had changed their usual hard, high pressure and instead used clever containment and counter-attacking tactics.

Maybe sometimes it could do Boro good to mix things up a bit and try one quick, early long pass instead of 33 perfectly calibrated shorter passes?

They were lucky not to fall further behind when Romaine Mundle's free-kick rebounded off a post midway through the second half. In the first half, the impressive Mundle arguably should have won a penalty following Luke Ayling's introduction, but Boro failed to capitalise on the reprieve.

“Sunderland have quality, particularly on the flanks, but we restricted them to a couple of good moments,” said Boro manager Michael Carrick, who claimed Hume should have been sent off. “It was very close. If anything, we were the better team. It's close margins but we have to find a way to crack the teams.”