Following a 5-1 defeat at Rotherham on Saturday, Lee Johnson’s side were once again backed by a large away following but failed to deliver at Hillsborough.
First-half goals from Theo Corbeanu and Florian Kamberi put the hosts in control, before Lee Gregory added a third after the interval.
The Black Cats have now lost three league games in succession after losing against Charlton and Rotherham.
Johnson’s side stay fifth in the table but lost ground on some of the sides around them in the race for promotion.
Sunderland now have 18 days without a league game until their home fixture against Ipswich on November, 20 due to international call-ups and their upcoming FA Cup match.
Our chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at Hillsborough.
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
1. Thorben Hoffmann - 5
Made one good stop to prevent the damage getting worse late on. Little he could do about the goals. Guilty of spending too long on the ball occasionally. 5 Photo: JPI Media
2. Carl Winchester - 4
Has had a tough two games but yet again was left with nowhere near enough support in front of him. Visibly frustrated throughout the second half as his team laboured. 4 Photo: JPI Media
3. Tom Flanagan - 4
Made some good challenges but distribution into the channels was erratic. Sunderland’s defence struggled again here. 4 Photo: JPI Media
4. Callum Doyle - 3
Didn’t deal with ball into the channel well enough for the second goal, and couldn’t head the following cross away either. Tried to play when he could but is going through a tough spell and looks like he might need a break. 3 Photo: Frank Reid