Sunderland remain second after second straight away loss
Sunderland missed the chance to go top of the Championship when they were beaten by Watford at Vicarage Road.
The visitors were looking to take advantage of West Brom's defeat at Sheffield Wednesday earlier on Saturday, but fell behind to Festy Ebosele's opening goal.
Wilson Isidor levelled after the break and Sunderland looked to rally and complete their turnaround.
But it was Watford who won it late on through Tom Dele-Bashiru's penalty six minutes from time.
Watford dominated throughout the first half and were unlucky not to score early. Edo Kayembe forced Anthony Patterson into a save within the first 10 minutes as a warning shot.
Yasser Larouci was a thorn in Sunderland's side throughout. After 23 minutes he beat Chris Mepham and crossed for Vakoun Bayo, but he couldn't test Patterson with his header.
The hosts finally made their dominant start pay just shy of the half-hour mark. Ebosele's superb volley met a looping cross from Yasser Larouci's cross, giving Patterson no chance.
Luke O'Nien almost hit back for Sunderland, but Jonathan Bond was equal to his half-volley, tipping it over to secure Watford's lead at the break.
Just minutes after the restart, Isodor levelled for Sunderland. It came from Patrick Roberts' superb work in the build-up, and the Frenchman met his cutback to open his Black Cats account.
Bayo almost hit back instantly, but he couldn't connect with Chakvetadze's cross before Lorouci only found the side netting.
But Watford secured all three points. Kwadwo Baah was brought down in the area by Neil, leaving Dele-Bashiru to convert the spot-kick and end a tough afternoon for Sunderland.
Tom Dele-Bashiru converts his penalty past Anthony Patterson
Watford manager Tom Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio:
“I'm thrilled. The first half was as good as we've been this season.
Only going in 1-0 up was a little bit under par but they gave a reaction which we expected because they're a good side.
“You try and take each game as it comes but if you look at the fixtures it is a difficult period. We've shown great resilience to react to every defeat since I've been in the job and that is 10 unbeaten at home.
“We're starting to turn this place into a real fortress.”
Sunderland manager Regis le Bris speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle:
“I'm disappointed; the first 15 minutes were difficult. We expected it because we knew they had the ability to manage the width with their front five against our back four.
“We were not sure we had the solution so we expected the problem. We solved it when Dan Neil dropped into the back four.
“With the ball we were able to build up the game and progress.
“When we lost the ball it was a strong weapon for the opposition because they are very strong with counter attacks. That was when the game changed either in possession, or out of it by losing duels.
“The difference between defeat and victory is small but we learned from this experience.”
