The best photos from a defeat at the Stadium of Light.
A combination of Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke bore fruit four times as Rovers slipped to consecutive defeats for the first time since October.
Wyke’s first-half hat-trick had given Rovers a mountain to climb but an own goal by keeper Lee Burge early in the second half had provided a glimmer of hope before Wyke and McGeady combined for a fourth.
A better second 45 saw Rovers win two penalties, but they were unable to convert either and ultimately Sunderland were able to see out the game.