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:
9. Lynden Gooch
Put in one outstanding cross early that would have yielded a goal had anyone attacked it. Had a frustrating afternoon after that, too easily crowded out of possession. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
10. Chris Maguire
Missed one big opening early on and created little thereafter. An afternoon of frustration for both him and his side. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
11. Charlie Wyke
Was adamant that he should have had a penalty just before the break, but nothing was giving and he appeared to hurt his shoulder and so came off at the break. Had struggled to make much of an impact before then. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
12. Kyle Lafferty
Brought on at the break but won little in the air and had no sight of goal. 4 Photo: FRANK REID 2020