Sunderland remain in the relegation zone following a sixth Premier League home defeat after Marko Arnautovic's two goals helped Stoke City to victory.
The Potters stunned the hosts with three goals in 19 first-half minutes, Arnautovic scoring his first at the second attempt after Vito Mannone had saved his initial shot.
Austria international Arnautovic's composed finish doubled the lead before Peter Crouch's header from Charlie Adam's cross made it 3-0.
Sunderland got a goal back when Jermain Defoe beat Lee Grant with his first chance after Donald Love's long pass.
However, David Moyes' side were second best throughout and remain in trouble in the bottom three.