Despite seeing the bast majority of the ball, the Black Cats failed to break down a stubborn Wigan backline after the visitors had taken the lead through Kyle Joseph.
But who shone and struggled, and will anyone have caught the eye of Johnson during his first outing at the Stadium of Light?
Scroll down as Phil Smith dishes out his player ratings:
1. Lee Burge
Little he could do about Kyle Joseph’s superb opener, and had nothing to do after that as Wigan sat on their lead. Tried to increase the pace of his distribution on his return to the side. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
2. Conor McLaughlin
One of Sunderland’s better performers and got into some decent positions down the right flank. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. Bailey Wright
Was held off too easily by Joseph and struggled when the visitors played it quickly into the channels. Something for Johnson to consider after the switch to a back four. The return of Jordan Willis could be key. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Flanagan
Tried to move the ball quickly to get Sunderland free down the flanks, but it came to nothing. Looked comfortable enough in defence. 6 Photo: Frank Reid