Sunderland went head-to-head with Queens Park Rangers in a Championship meeting on Saturday.
The Black Cast were obvious favourites going into the meeting at Loftus Road, aiming to pick up their 10th league win of the season.
QPR had just one win to their name ahead of kick-off, sitting 23rd in the Championship table.
Sunderland, meanwhile, were looking to kick off what is set to be a busy seven days with a big three points.
The North East outfit have three games before the November international break and after Sheffield United beat Blackburn Rovers earlier in the day, Regis Le Bris’ side knew they needed to pick up a win to maintain their five-point lead at the summit.
Sunderland were without one of their best players for the meeting against QPR, with Chris Rigg completely omitted from the matchday squad.
Sunderland fans make Chris Rigg point after QPR
The 17-year-old has only become a regular starter for the club this season but his absence was sorely felt against QPR.
It is a credit to Rigg that Sunderland are so dependent on him already and fans were quick to mourn his absence against QPR on social media.
One fan wrote: “We are missing an Attacking outlet in Chris Rigg. Mundle has gone missing at times.”
A second added: “We need more support for Isidor upfront. Missing Chris Rigg in this game for the lads.”
Another Sunderland fan stated: “Seems bout par for our away form to be fair. Improved second half incoming. It’s a credit to the 17-year-old Chris Rigg that we miss him today.”
A fourth added: “Step it up guys, Rigg a big miss.” A fifth expressed his concern for the youngster but wanted him back quickly. He wrote: “Hope Rigg is ok but we need him back as soon as possible.”
A sixth fan stated: “Midweek will be tough with no Rigg and no Jobe, but need to bounce back quick,” while a seventh supporter simply stated: “Massively missing Rigg.”
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Sunderland title charge in doubt without Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham
To make matters worse for Sunderland, Jobe Bellingham was shown a straight red card in the 58th minute.
This means the Black Cats are facing the prospect of being without two of their star midfielders for their two games next week.
Sunderland take on Coventry City and Preston North End but will likely struggle to pick up wins without Bellingham and Rigg.
Le Bris and co. had a five-point cushion at the top of the Championship before the weekend but there is now a real chance they could go into the November break having been knocked off their perch.