Charlie Wyke’s opener had put the Black Cats ahead, but they fell behind before the break – only for Luke O’Nien to level the scores in the second half.
So who caught the eye in Milton Keynes and who has work to do moving forward?
Scroll down as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks from the 2-2 draw at stadium:mk:
1. Lee Burge
Perhaps unfortunate not to be able to clear his lines with two saves in the build-up to the first goal. Looked uncertain through the first half coming off his line but steadied thereafter. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
2. Max Power
Delivered one or two dangerous crosses but a touch more composure could have yielded a first-half goal. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. Bailey Wright
Sunderland struggled to keep a good MK Dons side at bay and in the first half an hour they were almost overwhelmed. Defensively Wright looked more assured than most and had a good second half on his return. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
4. Jordan Willis
Not at his best initially, perhaps understandably as Flanagan’s injury brought him into the side unexpectedly just moments before kick off. Looked more comfortable as the game developed and made some big headers. 6 Photo: Frank Reid