The Black Cats fell behind four minutes before half-time when they were caught on the counter attack and Josh Laurent converted from close range.
It got much worse for the hosts straight after the interval as Tyrese Campbell scored twice in three minutes to give Alex Neil’s side a commanding lead.
Alex Pritchard managed to pull a goal back, before a brace from Dwight Gayle put the match beyond doubt.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
13. Luke O’Nien (sub) - 4
Brought on as Sunderland changed shape but they were second best by a long distance in the second half, 4 Photo: Frank Reid
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