After Aiden McGeady’s early penalty handed the Black Cats the advantage, goals from Ryan Edwards and Liam Boyce turned the tide and saw the Brewers seal the points.
But how did the individuals fare? Scroll down and click through the pages to see how our chief Sunderland AFC writer, Phil Smith, rated each player in another disappointing defeat:
1. Conor McLaughlin
Went close with an effort from the edge of the area early in the second half but Burton had found a lot of joy down their left flank in the first. Withdrawn as Parkinson went in search of more attacking threat. 5 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID
2. Jordan Willis
Looked uncertain throughout the contest, the Black Cats worryingly vulnerable in the second half and seemingly unable to prevent Burton getting bodies into dangerous areas. 4 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID
3. Joel Lynch
Struggled to contain Burton as they broke regularly in the closing stages and struggled in possession. 5 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID
4. Denver Hume
Offered a typical attacking threat in the first half but looked badly exposed defensively in the latter stages as the away side broke at will down that flank, and they should have stretched their lead further. 5 | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID