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:
5. Max Power
Played some dangerous balls towards Watmore but neither he nor Leadbitter look particularly well suited to the brief that sees Sunderland go back to front quickly. Never really got a grip of the game. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
6. Luke O'Nien
Not quite at his sharpest but at least brought plenty of energy and did what he always does, finding a way to impact the game in winning the early penalty. Dropped back to right-back despite looking like his side’s most likely goalscorer. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
7. Duncan Watmore
Brought his side’s only consistent threat for much of the game, causing the Burton defence problems with his willingness to drive at goal and run behind the back four. Faded as the game went on. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
8. Will Grigg
Started relatively brightly, competing well in the air and running the channels well, but faded as the game went on and offered little threat as Sunderland laboured to defeat. 4 Photo: FRANK REID 2019