The Black Cats drop out of the play-off places, after failing to beat, bottom of the league, Rotherham United.
Jack Clarke’s deflected goal in the second-half earned Sunderland a point, after they were made to come from behind thanks to a wonder goal by Sam Clucas.
The Black Cats dominated the ball throughout, but without any real intensity, as they struggled to break Rotherham down.
Despite not seeing much of the ball, Rotherham had the better chances in the first-half, before taking the lead.
Anthony Patterson was called upon a couple of times in the space of a few minutes halfway through the first-half.
Sam Nombe had a huge opptunity in the 20th minute, as he was played in 1 on 1 with Patterson, but the goalkeeper came out on top.
Moments later, a curling effort from Nombe on the edge of the box forced another save from the Sunderland ‘keeper.
Rotherham came close again following a corner, after a scramble in the 6-yard box, Trai Hume was able to clear.
The Millers’ impressive first-half showing was eventually rewarded right at the beginning of the second half, as the ball set up nicely for Clucas to hit a fabulous volley from 20-yards, leaving Patterson with now chance.
With the arrival of Alex Pritchard just after the hour mark, Sunderland’s performance stepped up slightly.
With 17 minutes remaining, Jack Clarke hit his 12th goal of the season, after his effort was luckily deflected in off Jamie Lindsay.
Sunderland began to mount on the pressure in the closing stages, as they tried to steal all 3 points, but theybwere unsuccessful.
Debutant, Timotheè Pembelè came closest, with a header that forced a save from Viktor Johansson right at the death.
The Black Cats now sit 7th in the table, 2 points away from Hull in 6th.
MoTM – Jack Clarke