Nothing could separate Burnley and Sunderland at Turf Moor this afternoon as both clubs extended their winless streaks in the Premier League following a 0-0 draw.
Marvin Sordell should have fired Burnley ahead in the opening minutes but the striker fluffed his lines at the crucial moment in undoubtedly the best chance of the game.
There was an increase in tempo throughout the second half, and both sides saw their bids to snatch a late winner rebuffed by the woodwork.
Below, Sports Mole analyses today's clash in Lancashire and determines whether or not one of them deserved their first win.
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Match statistics
BURNLEY
Shots: 14
On target: 6
Possession: 43%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 14
SUNDERLAND
Shots: 12
On target: 6
Possession: 57%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
The above statistics accurately illustrate this afternoon's clash at Turf Moor. While Burnley boasted the best chances, Sunderland would have felt hard done by had they left Lancashire without so much as a point for their labour this afternoon. Both came into the encounter hunting a first Premier League win of the season, and in truth neither did enough to open their account.
Burnley's performance
Burnley came into this one with a major question hanging over their ability to score enough goals in the top flight. Did they answer it? No. It was evident as to why Sean Dyche's side have only scored once in four games prior to kickoff this afternoon. They struggled to create many clear-cut chances, and when they did there was a distinct lack of conviction in their efforts to convert them, with Marvin Sordell and Lukas Jutkiewicz guilty of missing a few. It was the Clarets' third successive clean sheet, but it is goals, not just defensive stability, that will see them stay in the Premier League.
Sunderland's performance
Like their Lancashire counterparts, Sunderland will also feel like they left three points on the pitch at Turf Moor by virtue of a number of missed chances. The Black Cats were second best in the first half, but they soon raised the tempo and dominated the second half in spells. However, there was nobody capable of yanking a reward from their dominance, with Connor Wickham looking isolated as the spearhead once again. Gus Poyet might regret withdrawing Adam Johnson, who was making them tick up until his substitution.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lukas Jutkiewicz: The Clarets striker is still hunting his first Premier League goal but, despite missing a few chances to break his duck this afternoon, few could fault his tireless commitment to the Burnley cause today. Burnley would have been one up early on had Sordell not fluffed his clever cut-back, and later should have won a penalty after being clattered by Emanuele Giaccherini. He'll draw criticism for the couple of chances he missed, but he was Burnley's heartbeat today and a major positive for Sean Dyche when he analyses the performance.
Biggest gaffe Marvin Sordell could, and most definitely should, have fired Burnley ahead early on. Lee Cattermole's backwards header was pounced on by Jutkiewicz, who cut back for the unmarked Sordell in the box but, with just Mannone to beat, the striker sliced a dreadful shot that ended up resembling a pass.
Referee performance Anthony Taylor will not want to hang around Turf Moor for too long after the final whistle after frustrating the natives at times throughout the 90 minutes. Taylor perhaps should have awarded Burnley a penalty after Jutkiewicz was clattered by Giaccherini in the second half but waved it away. He has had better games.
What next?
Burnley: Next up for Burnley on their pursuit of a first Premier League victory is a trip to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion next Sunday.
Sunderland: Sunderland, meanwhile, look to pick up their first three points when Swansea City travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Shane Callaghan
