The Black Cats fell a goal down on the stroke of half-time after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring.
Second-half goals from Callum O’Hare and Kasey Palmer then secured the win for the visitors, with Sunderland lacking a cutting-edge up front.
Here, though, we take a look at the best photos of fans throughout the day from our photographer Frank Reid:
1. Sunderland
Sunderland were beaten 3-0 by Coventry in Michael Beale’s first match as head coach – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 3-0 by Coventry in Michael Beale’s first match as head coach – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 3-0 by Coventry in Michael Beale’s first match as head coach – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Sunderland fans
Sunderland were beaten 3-0 by Coventry in Michael Beale’s first match as head coach – and our cameras were in attendance to capture the action. Photo: Frank Reid