Tony Mowbray’s side were denied a penalty in the first half when Patrick Roberts was brought down and instead booked for diving.
The visitors dominated the second half but couldn’t make a breakthrough, before Matthew Pennington opened the scoring for the hosts from a corner.
Sunderland then scored two stoppage-time goals as Ross Stewart and Luke O’Nien turned the match around.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players:
1. Alex Bass - 6
One brilliant kick from hand in the second half should have yielded a goal. Steady enough and could do little about the goal. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney
2. Trai Hume - 6
Defensively sound and got forward when he could though fairly quiet in the main. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Daniel Ballard - 7
Totally dominant in the air and won the vast majority of the game. Was comfortable throughout. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Bailey Wright - 6
Very steady at the heart of the back three, only faltered once in the second half and O’Nien was there to help him out. Did well. 6 Photo: Frank Reid