Sunderland are back up to fifth place after earning a point at home to Bristol City - but the Black Cats were minutes away from a third win in a row. Tony Mowbray's side looked to be on course for victory when Jack Clarke put them ahead on the hour, but they just could not get the second goal they needed to kill the game off.
And with Bristol City pushing hard in the latter stages, eventually their pressure paid off. Trai Hume brought down Jay Dasilva inside the box, and Nakhi Wells stepped up to convert the spot-kick with Anthony Patterson unable to pull off a repeat of his penalty save at QPR in midweek.
For Sunderland, the draw means they have lost just one of their last ten league games while Bristol City are unbeaten in eight.
READ MORE: Late penalty costs Sunderland against Bristol City after Jack Clarke strikes again for Black Cats
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 7
Made an outstanding save from Mehmeti in the first half and it took a penalty to beat him
Trai Hume 6
Was doing well but it was his needless foul that gave away the penalty and ultimately cost two points
Dan Ballard 8
Outstanding in central defence, where he had to scrap hard against Bell
Danny Batth 8
Won pretty much everything in the air
Aji Alese 7
Another strong performance at left-back
Dan Neil 7
Excellent in midfield on his return to the side, he used the ball very well
Edouard Michut 8
Along with Clarke, arguably Sunderland's best player on the day. Getting better with every game at the moment
Patrick Roberts 7
Worked hard and brought a good save out of O'Leary when the score was 1-0
Amad 7
Not his best performance but he was always a danger when he received the ball in and around the box
Jack Clarke 8
Another goal and another brilliant performance. He is Sunderland's man in form at the moment
Joe Gelhardt 7
No lack of effort and it was his pass for Clarke's goal, but he had a good chance himself and did not take it. Needs a goal
Subs
Alex Pritchard 6
For Gelhard 63mins. His experience helped when Sunderland were trying to see the game out
Luke O'Nien 7
For Michut 63mins. Won some crucial headers in his own penalty in the latter stages when Sunderland were trying to protect their lead
Dennis Cirkin N/A
For Clarke 86mins.
Pierre Ekwah N/A
For Roberts 87mins.
Not used: Bass, Ba, Lihadji
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