Our man Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings after the defeat at Fratton Park, and there's a wide range of marks across the squad. Scroll down and click through the pages to see who shone - and struggled - for Sunderland at Portsmouth:
Picked the ball out of the next three times before he could make a save. Little he could do about any of them and made a good save in the build up to the third. 5
Battled really well in an unfamiliar role and deserved his goal. Couldn't have done much more, particularly in an excellent first half. 7
Really good performance both in attack and defence. Some good play and tenacious defending. Unlucky to be on the losing side. 7
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Competed in difficult circumstances against the powerful Oli Hawkins. Did little wrong despite defeat. 6
Switched off at the start of the second half and it turned the game in an instant. Had no complaints with the red card he was shown for a trip on Oli Hawkins. Sunderland never recovered. 4
Struggled with the pace of the game early on but steadied. Thankless task in the second half as the Black Cats were overrun. 5
Fine cross for O'Nien's goal and offered good tenacity on the left of midfield. 6
Back in the central role that did so much damage against Barnsley but in truth Portsmouth handled him well. Created very little. 5
First half energy was good but taken off as Sunderland looked to fight their way back into the game. Had been booked shortly beforehand. 5
Real tenacity to try and help Sunderland stay up the pitch with a player down. No doubting his spirit but little sight of goal. 6
Really grew into the half and forged a couple of good openings. Sacrificed for Ozturk in what was a real blow for the Black Cats. 6
Looked uncertain after going so long without any intense football. 5
Touches were poor but had precious little support. 5
Little opportunity to create any openings for his side. N/A