Sunderland made a mockery of their recent revival, finishing 2016 with an embarrassingly error-strewn display in a 4-1 defeat at Burnley on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, recalled to the first team because injury will keep the outstanding Jordan Pickford out for at least six weeks, was poor and centre-back Papy Djilobodji had a nightmare as an Andre Gray hat trick demolished David Moyes' side.
Burnley fully deserved the win that raises serious doubts about Sunderland's chances of avoiding further humiliation at home to Liverpool on Monday, let along the prospects of pulling off yet another great escape from relegation.