Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies the lead 10 minutes into the game but the Black Cats turned it around in the second with goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey.
Newcastle were without Sandro Tonali through injury as Eddie Howe made two changes from the side that lost 7-2 to Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.
The Italian was left out of the matchday squad altogether while Malick Thiaw dropped to the bench as Nick Woltemade and Sven Botman came into the starting XI.
The Magpies were quick out of the traps and took the lead 10 minutes in. Luke O’Nien passed the ball straight to Nick Woltemade and the German found Anthony Gordon in the box, who finished into the bottom left corner.
Aaron Ramsdale earlier produced an excellent save to deny Chemsdine Talbi but was beaten by the same player on the hour-mark. Brobbey then won it in the 90th minute.
Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:
Made an excellent diving save to stop Chemsdine Talbi’s effort from going into the top corner but was later beaten by the same player. Conceded late on too.
1. Aaron Ramsdale - 5
Made an excellent diving save to stop Chemsdine Talbi’s effort from going into the top corner but was later beaten by the same player. Conceded late on too. | Getty Images
An experienced head but didn’t threaten enough from set pieces. Brought off after 65 minutes.
2. Kieran Trippier - 6
An experienced head but didn’t threaten enough from set pieces. Brought off after 65 minutes. | AFP via Getty Images
Engaged in a brutal physical battle with Brian Brobbey and came off the worst after being kicked in the head by his fellow Dutchman. Forced to withdraw in the 54th minute.
3. Sven Botman - 6.5
Engaged in a brutal physical battle with Brian Brobbey and came off the worst after being kicked in the head by his fellow Dutchman. Forced to withdraw in the 54th minute. | Getty Images
Attacked absolutely everything that came his way but couldn’t prevent his team from suffering an embarrassing defeat.
4. Dan Burn - 6
Attacked absolutely everything that came his way but couldn’t prevent his team from suffering an embarrassing defeat. | Getty Images