Sunderland put in a very well-disciplined performance as they clawed a 1-1 draw on the south coast yesterday against what was very much a transitional Southampton side.
It was a tough game in large parts, with opportunities for Sunderland coming very infrequently.
Lamine Kone had a golden chance to open the scoring in the first half but his free header sailed just wide of the top corner, keeping the score level.
However, in the 80th minute, Sunderland took advantage of a counter-attacking opportunity to earn a penalty. Jeremain Lens whipped the ball into Jermain Defoe, who drew the challenge from Saints captain Jose Fonte to win himself and his side a penalty. Surprise surprise, Defoe converted.
It did not take long for Saints to take a foothold in the game, though. Substitute Jay Rodriguez scored a long-range shot five minutes from time to secure a draw.
Here are five things that we can take from the draw at St Mary’s.
