The Black Cats fell a goal down in the seventh minute when Ryan Mmaee opened the scoring, but reacted well when Jack Clarke equalised three minutes later.
Stoke retook the lead shortly after half-time, though, when Luke McNally headed home Daniel Johnson’s corner.
Here, though, we take a look at the best photos of loyal Sunderland fans throughout the day courtesy of our photographer Frank Reid:
1. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid