An action-packed clash at the Stadium of Light saw both sides create plenty of chances, but they were ultimately forced to share the spoils as neither team could find a last-gasp winner. The Black Cats looked on course for a win after coming from behind to lead 2-1 thanks to a superb brace from Danny Welbeck.
But Mikel Arteta secured the Toffees a crucial point as his deflected finish seven minutes from time complemented Tim Cahill's sixth-minute opener before Everton substitute Jermaine Beckford missed a glorious opportunity in the dying moments of stoppage-time.
Match facts
Goals: Cahill (6mins, 0-1), Welbeck (23, 1-1; 71, 2-1), Arteta (83, 2-2)
Bookings: Heitinga (18, foul), Rodwell (74, foul)
Referee: Peter Walton (Long Buckby) 6
Attendance: 37,331
Entertainment: ✰✰✰✰
SUNDERLAND (4-4-2):
Gordon 5; Onuoha 6, Turner 6, Ferdinand 5, Bardsley 7; Zenden 6 (Malbranque 69, 5), Cattermole 6, Henderson 6 (Elmohamady 85), Richardson 7; WELBECK 8, Bent 6.
Subs (not used): Mignolet (gk), Angeleri, Adams, Da Silva, Riveros.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1):
Howard 6; Neville 6, Jagielka 6, Distin 5, Baines 8; Coleman 6 (Rodwell 65, 5), Heitinga 6 (Beckford 82), Arteta 6, Pienaar 7; CAHILL 8; Saha 5 (Yakubu 82).
Subs (not used): Mucha (gk), Hibbert, Gueye, Bilyaletdinov.
MAN OF THE MATCH
DANNY Welbeck – the Sunderland forward is outshining both Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan at the minute.
