The Black Cats were undone by two set-pieces at Fratton Park, as both Christian Burgess and James Bolton took advantage of some sloppy defending to hand Pompey victory.
But who, if anyone, impressed for Sunderland in their disappointing defeat? Scroll down and click through the pages to see how our man Phil Smith rated the individual displays on show against Portsmouth:

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Who shone and struggled for Sunderland at Portsmouth? | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID 2020

. Jon McLaughlin
The scoreline would have been worse were it not for some excellent stops from the goalkeeper, including one outstanding flying save to prevent Bailey Wright heading into his own net. 7 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID 2019

. Bailey Wright
Picked up where he left off at Tranmere, composed and dominant in the air. Looked to tire as his side began to struggle and gave away possession far too easily in the second half. 5 | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
. Jordan Willis
Almost scored a truly exceptional goal in the first half, one that would have given Sunderland a lead they deserved at that stage of the game. Couldn’t get in any advanced positions in the second half. 6 | JPIMedia Photo: Frank Reid

. Joel Lynch
Came off as the game entered the last ten minutes with what looks to be a serious head injury. Left the ground on a stretched after a nasty clash with McLaughlin. 5 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID 2019
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. Denver Hume
Put in one excellent cross early on that Maguire should have scored from, but struggled from Portsmouth’s opening goal onward. Touch was poor and struggled defensively. 4 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID

1. Jon McLaughlin
The scoreline would have been worse were it not for some excellent stops from the goalkeeper, including one outstanding flying save to prevent Bailey Wright heading into his own net. 7 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID 2019

2. Bailey Wright
Picked up where he left off at Tranmere, composed and dominant in the air. Looked to tire as his side began to struggle and gave away possession far too easily in the second half. 5 | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
3. Jordan Willis
Almost scored a truly exceptional goal in the first half, one that would have given Sunderland a lead they deserved at that stage of the game. Couldn’t get in any advanced positions in the second half. 6 | JPIMedia Photo: Frank Reid

4. Joel Lynch
Came off as the game entered the last ten minutes with what looks to be a serious head injury. Left the ground on a stretched after a nasty clash with McLaughlin. 5 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID 2019