From a win at Wembley to more play-off heartbreak, the Black Cats are now left to reflect on another season in which they failed to escape from League One.
While yesterday's result against Lincoln City guaranteed that the club would be spending a fourth season in the third tier, there were a whole host of games before that proved costly.
From late goals conceded to dropped points at crucial moments, there will be a number of matches which Sunderland will no doubt reflect upon and wonder 'what if...'.
The club’s home record in particular proved a concern, while the side also struggled against teams at the wrong end of the table throughout the campaign.
Here, we pick out 11 of the games which ultimately proved costly for the Black Cats across the course of a long season:
1. SUNDERLAND 1-1 BRISTOL ROVERS (SEPTEMBER 12)
The first game of the League One season brought with it plenty of optimism - much of which had vanished when the Black Cats fell behind to a penalty just three minutes in. Chris Maguire levelled late on, but this was two dropped points against a side who were eventually relegated. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
2. CHARLTON ATHLETIC 0-0 SUNDERLAND (OCTOBER 3)
This was perhaps a good point given the fact Sunderland played the latter stages of the game with ten men, but they could have been out of sight at half-time. Danny Graham, Charlie Wyke and Aiden O'Brien all missed big chances in London. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
3. DONCASTER ROVERS 1-1 SUNDERLAND (NOVEMBER 21)
This game was perhaps the beginning of the end for Phil Parkinson. Having controlled the game and spurned numerous opportunities to kill off the clash, Sunderland conceded a 93rd minute leveller. More dropped points when the Wearsiders could have been home and dry. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
4. SUNDERLAND 0-1 WIGAN ATHLETIC (DECEMBER 5)
Lee Johnson's first game in charge produced a disappointing result, with a struggling Wigan clinching a vital three points. It was a poor showing from Sunderland. Photo: FRANK REID 2020