It wasn't jolly old saint Nick who ruined our festive cheer, no that fell to Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.
The Paraguayan netted two on the day, one of which proved to be the winner as City ran out 4-3 winners.
To be honest I was as surprised as you that we were able to score three goals away from home, but it wasn't enough.
The Sky Blue's opened up a two goal lead inside the first 12 minutes, with Santa Cruz tapping in, then Carlos Tevez converting from the spot.
The penalty was very harsh, referee Andre Marriner deciding Nyron Nosworthy took Craig Bellamy's legs away in the box, when he made minimum contact and was closer to the ball than the little Welshman.
Based upon recent form, many would have expected Sunderland to roll over and admit defeat there and then, however they fought back to draw the game level.
John Mensah nodded in from a corner to start the fightback and then young midfielder Jordan Henderson rifled in a shot that struck keeper Shay Given and knocked him over as it was so ferocious.
Ex-Toon striker Bellamy restored City's advantage with a fine finish. He gave Nosworthy a torrid afternoon and was a constant threat with his pace and movement. His goal went along with his man of the match award.
Again the majority would of doubted the Black Cat's chances of getting anything from the match and again they proved them wrong. Substitute Kenwyne Jones headed in a delightful cross from Henderson. If the young lad from the North East continues his impressive performances he has a big future ahead of him.
For all their hard work in coming from behind twice, the Mackems were undone by Santa Cruz and there was no coming back this time, especially as Michael Turner was sent off for elbowing City and England midfielder Gareth Barry.
The collision was not deliberate or malicious, yet the ref wanted to keep up his trend of sending off Sunderland players as he did with Jones against West Ham.
Still unable to pick up three points, though the performance was much improved and if this can carry on, we should soon be back to winning ways.
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