David Moyes was left rueing the luck of the draw following Sunderland’s midweek defeat to Leicester City, as fine margins once again cost the Wearsiders.
The Black Cats dominated the opening period putting the hosts under immense pressure, but they held firm to ensure it remained goalless at the interval.
Following the restart Sunderland resumed their control but they were caught cold when Islam Slimani opened the scoring after coming off the bench.
Victor Anichebe soon entered the fray and the striker went within inches of levelling as his effort crashed off the post, but within seconds Leicester clinched the victory as Jamie Vardy arrowed the ball past Jordan Pickford.
“We had chances but they just didn’t fall for us tonight," said Moyes.
"Victor [Anichebe] was denied by the crossbar and there were a few more chances we missed, it’s those fine margins."
He added: “We didn’t see the game out and we’ve had that problem many times this season, there was a lapse in concentration and despite playing well we couldn’t finish the job off.”
“To have Victor back was a big boost, he gives us another option and Lee Cattermole did well for us too, his leadership is great and all in all it was a good performance from him."