Neither Sunderland nor champions Manchester City were able to find the net during the opening 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.
Visiting City created the first real chance with nine minutes gone when Vincent Kompany sent David Silva's corner against the crossbar, before Yaya Toure sent the rebound straight into the hands of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Silva was next to have an effort for City with 23 minutes on the clock, but his low shot from a Sergio Aguero pass was blocked by the feet of Mignolet.
Then up the other end England's number one Joe Hart was called into action to palm clear a skidding drive from Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner.
That effort appeared to lift the home team, who could have gone in front had Kompany not stretched to cut out a cross from James McClean after 35 minutes, with Steven Fletcher lurking at the back post.
Liam Apicella
