Stuani double earns Middlesbrough 2-1 win at Sunderland

Middlesbrough's Christian Stuani, right, scores his side's first goal of the game during their Premier League match against Sunderland, at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP). (The Associated Press)

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Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt carries the ball back to the half way line after scoring his side's first goal during their Premier League match against Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

Sunderland manager David Moyes, left, and Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, during their teams' Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Sunday Aug. 21, 2016. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

SUNDERLAND, England – Uruguay striker Cristhian Stuani marked his first appearance in the Premier League with two goals to guide Middlesbrough to a 2-1 win at northeast rival Sunderland on Sunday.

Stuani smashed a 25-meter shot into the top corner in the 13th minute, then slotted home from close range off Alvaro Negredo's squared pass to finish off a flowing team move in the 45th.

Patrick van Aanholt pulled a goal back in the 71st for Sunderland, which has lost it opening two games of the season under recently hired manager David Moyes and lost captain John O'Shea to an injury in the first half.

Middlesbrough, back in the Premier League after a seven-year absence, has four points from a possible six.