Benji Kimpioka gave the hosts a second-half lead but an own goal from Michael Collins and a dubious penalty dispatched by Rhian Brewster handed the visitors three points in Group F.
Our man James Copley was at Hetton to watch Sunderland’s impressive performance and dished out some high ratings.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see how the Lads rated in defeat.
1. Bali Mumba - 7
Comfortable on the ball at right-back but was pinned back by Liverpool’s pressing play. Looks to be growing as a defender. | JPIMedia Photo: Tom Banks
2. Owen Gamble - 7
Made some heroic blocks and tackles but managed to pick up a silly booking in the process. A Decent showing. | JPIMedia Photo: Tom Banks
3. Adrias Edmundsson - 8
A colossus in the air and looks comfortable and strong on the ball. | JPIMedia Photo: Tom Banks
4. Jack Connelly - 6
Hard for the midfielder to get on the ball, but held his shape well to provide Liverpool with a firm obstacle. | JPIMedia Photo: Tom Banks