The 'Black Cats' missed the chance to return to the top of the League One standings by being held to a 1-1 draw by Wycombe Wanderers.
Sunderland had a late Josh Maja strike to thank for getting a point from the game, as visitors Wycombe almost stole victory thanks to an opener from Onyedinma.
Jack Ross' side now sit two points behind leaders Portsmouth, who are yet to play.
Elsewhere, Barnsley beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 to move up to third in the table, a further two points back from the top two.
The 'Tykes' managed to leapfrog Peterborough, who themselves were held to a shock 1-1 draw by rock-bottom Bradford City.
A James Collins hat-trick helped Luton remain in fifth, as they pummelled a poor Plymouth side 5-1.
In spite of various troubles off the field, Blackpool moved just outside the play off spots into seventh, as a late goal from Gnanduillet nicked all three points away to Southend.
November 17, 2018
Near the bottom of the table, Scunthorpe moved four points off the relegation zone by winning 2-1 away from home against Bristol Rovers. The result saw the hosts drop into the bottom four.
Oxford earned a crucial win over Gillingham with the aid of a spot kick.
Manager-less Shrewsbury also picked up a vital victory, with a thrilling 3-2 defeat of Rochdale.
In Saturday's early kick offs; Fleetwood Town were held to a goalless draw by Walsall, while Coventry slipped to defeat against Burton Albion with an unlucky own goal the sole strike of the match.
Finally, Doncaster climbed to eighth after a 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon.
Take a look at how the League table looks after this weekend's first day of fixtures:
November 17, 2018