Sunderland 0- 0 West Bromwich Albion: Black Cats Slip Further Behind in Fight For Survival

Sunderland had to settle for a point against West Brom at the Stadium of Light as they saw countless efforts saved by Ben Foster who was in fine form for the Baggies.

The game started frantically and it was Sunderland who had the first shot on target after 9 minutes. Kaboul crossed for Defoe who flicked the ball towards goal but Foster got down well at the near post to make the save.

There was plenty of effort on show as Sunderland looked the more dangerous team throughout without really making Foster work. Defoe had another chance on 20 minutes after neat build up play between himself and Van Aanholt, but the striker dragged his shot wide.

The best chance of the first half came on 29 minutes and again it fell to Defoe. Khazri’s pin point cross picked out Defoe 6 yards from goal but he somehow managed to miss the ball completely when he attempted a header.

Sunderland were dominating play and Cattermole wasted a good chance on 32 minutes after being played through by Khazri but his poor touch made the save easier for Foster.

The Black Cats nearly broke the deadlock on 54 minutes as Kirchhoff played a one two with Borini but his shot was saved by the face of Ben Foster.

Sunderland were relentless in the early stages of the second half and Defoe saw another chance go begging as Cattermole’s deflected shot fell nicely to him but his shot deflected wide.

From the resulting corner the ball was only half cleared as it fell to Borini who unleashed an effort from distance which Foster had to parry away.

Three minutes later Borini found himself in another great position after being picked out in stride by Yedlin, but his shot fired wide as Foster was left stranded.

Borini had yet another chance on 85  minutes when he cut inside and curled his shot towards goal but Foster parried it away.

Moments later Defoe was clean through with the goal at his mercy but Foster saved with his legs, and Dame N’Doye saw his goal at the death ruled out correctly for offside.

Sunderland did everything they could to score but they couldn’t get past Ben Foster.

Sunderland (4-3-3): Mannone, Yedlin, Van Aanholt, Kaboul, Kone, Cattermole, Kirchhoff, M’Vila, Khazri (N’Doye 82’), Borini, Defoe.

Subs: Pickford, Jones, O’Shea, Rodwell, Larsson, Toivonen, N’Doye.

Goals: None

West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Dawson, Chester, Evans, McAuley, Sandro, Gardner (McClean 70’), Yacob, Fletcher, Berahino (Leko 78’), Rondon (Anichebe 81’).

Subs: Myhill, Olsson, Pritchard, Leko, McClean, Lambert, Anichebe.

Goals: None