Sunderland 0-0 Leicester City: Black Cats Not Safe Just Yet

Sunderland couldn’t ensure Premiership survival today as they had to settle for a point against a stubborn Leicester defence.

Sunderland flew out the blocks and they had the first opportunity from a Larsson free kick. Wickham drew the foul 25 yards from goal to give Larsson the chance, but the Swede’s low curling effort was well saved by Schmeichel.

Sunderland had a golden chance to break the deadlock on 23 minutes through Danny Graham. A beautiful lofted ball from Cattermole set up Graham for a volley 10 yards out but the striker was denied by Schmeichel.

Sunderland could have been given a penalty on 37 minutes when Wickham looked to have been brought down just inside the box but referee Martin Atkinson decided to award a free kick. The resulting free kick was blasted into the wall by Wickham.

The second half was a frantic affair with both sides lacking composure in the final third. Chances were few and far between but Van Aanholt came closest on 61 minutes seeing his long range effort flash wide.

Sunderland upped the pressure with the introduction of Adam Johnson and he forced a good save from Schmeichel after cutting in from the right and shooting low to the near post.

Leicester nearly won it in injury time after a terrible defensive mix up between Pantilimon and O’Shea allowed Kramaric an open goal albeit from a distance but the striker shot wide.

Plenty of determination and commitment from Sunderland but a lack of quality in front of goal today meant the Black Cats had to settle for a draw.

Sunderland (4-3-3): Pantilimon, Van Aanholt, Jones (Reveillere 85’), Coates, O'Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson, Bridcutt (Johnson 60’), Wickham, Graham (Fletcher 80’), Defoe.

Subs: Mannone, Vergini, Reveillere, Giaccherini, Johnson, Buckley, Fletcher.

Goals: None

Leicester City (3-4-3): Schmeichel, Morgan, Wasilewski, Huth, King, Albrighton, Cambiasso, Schlupp, Mahrez (Drinkwater 66’), Ulloa (Kramaric 74’), Vardy.

Subs: Schwarzer, De Laet, Konchesky, Drinkwater, Hammond, Wood, Kramaric.

Goals: None