Sunderland's unbeaten start to life in the Championship came to an end at Bramall Lane. The Black Cats arrived in South Yorkshire in good form but boss Alex Neil had described this as their toughest test to date.
And after initially taking the game to Sheffield United, Sunderland's task became immeasurably more difficult when midfielder Dan Neil was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on James McAtee. Anel Ahmedhodzic headed the hosts in front almost immediately, with Max Lowe adding the second just after half-time.
Lynden Gooch pulled a goal back to give the Wearsiders hope, but they could not find an equaliser and in the end only a series of excellent saves from Anthony Patterson prevented the Blades winning by a more comfortable margin.
READ MORE: Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland report as ten-man Black Cats' unbeaten start comes to an end
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 8
No chance with the goals but made some brilliant saves late in the game
Luke O'Nien 7
Played on the right side of the back three and did a decent job there
Danny Batth 6
Organised the defence
Dennis Cirkin 6
Generally he did well, although Ahmedhodzic got away from him for the opening goal
Lynden Gooch 7
Scored with a delicate chip to give his team hope
Dan Neil 5
Had been excellent up to the moment he lost the ball, held his man back, and was sent off
Elliot Embleton 6
Did OK
Jack Clarke 6
Covered a lot of ground on the left flank
Alex Pritchard 6
No lack of effort, but not at his best
Ellis Simms 6
Offered a threat when it was still 11-vs-11
Ross Stewart 7
Outstanding up front, both alongside Simms and when he led the line alone
Subs
Jay Matete 7
For Simms 54mins. Brought some extra bite to midfield when he came on, and played his part in the goal
Bailey Wright 6
For Pritchard 54mins. Strong at the heart of defence
Trai Hume 6
For Embleton 54mins. Came on at right-back to allow Gooch to move further forward
Aji Alese N/A
For Batth 86mins.
Jack Diamond N/A
For Clarke 86mins.
Not used: Bass, Roberts
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