Analysis: For Sunderland to lose the game was both baffling and painfully predictable

Nottingham Forest did not win it.

The visitors would have been satisfied with a point, showing little attacking intent throughout and barely testing Robbin Ruiter in the Sunderland goal.

Their winner was gifted to them, a stray pass at a crucial moment sending the Black Cats back to square one.

For the opening 70 minutes it had been tepid, but promising to a small degree.

Sunderland reapplied the basics that had so badly deserted them in the previous two defeats.

Attacking midfielders and wingers were tracking back and snuffing out counter attacks.

They defended crosses and high balls well, and most importantly of all showed a willingness to keep the ball and move it quicker.

Jonny Williams and Callum McManaman embodied a side that looked better balanced and more threatening.

Still, the cutting edge was lacking and the last 20 minutes underlined why there is such angst in the fan base.

With Aiden McGeady still missing and Lewis Grabban replaced in the first half due to injury, the Black Cats offered nothing.

If the sparse Stadium of Light said much about what has gone before, there was at least an atmosphere of sorts, a response to an improved performance and some gentle promise, led by the excellent Williams, his first touch and low centre of gravity causing problems for Forest and excitement for the fans.

The last 20 minutes, however, were painfully flat and that reflected a Black Cats side that had seemingly run of invention and ideas.

Grayson was left with little to change, his bench again looking one-dimensional and certainly not the sort that could change the momentum and direction of a game.

It is of great concern that injuries to a striker and a winger can leave the squad so short.