Last night's defeat has only highlighted further that Lee Johnson still has a lot of work to do at Sunderland.
He'll no doubt be hoping to do a fair bit of that in the January transfer window, with Forest Green Rovers midfielder Carl Winchester the only arrival so far this month.
Things look set to intensify as we enter the latter stages of the winter window and with that in mind, we've compiled all the latest Black Cats transfer news in our round-up...
Sunderland eye Wimbledon defender
With Denver Hume sidelined, it seems the North East club are looking for reinforcements at left-back.
According to the Telegraph, Sunderland are keen on 20-year-old Paul Osew from Wimbledon.
It is understood that the Black Cats are keen to take him on loan but face competition from Salford City and Wycombe Wanderers.
Hull City out of race for Black Cats target with 'big wages'
Sunderland and Hull have both been linked with a move for Preston North End striker Jayden Stockley this month.
Tigers boss Grant McCann has told BBC Radio Humberside his side won't be moving for the 27-year-old, which would seem to leave the Black Cats in prime position.
However, journalist Alan Nixon has indicated that his "big wages" could be an obstacle.
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Johnson warns squad over exits
Speaking to the Northern Echo after his side's defeat to Plymouth last night, the Sunderland boss served his squad with a stark warning.
He said: “I want us to look after each other – we have to create that cause from within and be a family. It’s really important that the lads buy into that – and anyone who doesn’t will be gone, quicker than you can say their name.”
'Nothing serious' in Sunderland's interest in Crawley Town striker
Rumours emerged on social media last week that the Black Cats are keen on Crawley's Tom Nichols but those have been played down by the League Two side's technical director Erdem Konyar.
When pressed on the situation, he told the Crawley and Horley Observer: "It’s news to me. I have heard nothing other than rumours. There is nothing serious or concrete but it wouldn’t surprise me."