Caretaker boss Robbie Stockdale praised his side’s desire to dig deep and grind out a result, but admitted key moments once again cost Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Lewis Grabban stabbed the Black Cats into the lead on 16 minutes, netting his ninth goal in 13 league matches, but just six minutes later Sunderland trailed.
Two free-kicks in as many minutes from George Saville somehow managed to find a way past Robbin Ruiter, leaving Stockdale’s side facing an uphill challenging on home soil.
Sunderland rolled their sleeves up, and gained a slice of luck early in the second 45 when Adam Matthews’ cross from the right was fumbled by Jordan Archer.
The hosts continued to pepper the visitors’ goal as the match wore on, Grabban saw a header chalked off and then failed to make contact on Aiden McGeadys’ cross before Callum McManaman lifted the ball over the bar from 18 yards to leave Sunderland’s long wait for a home win ongoing.
Speaking post-match, Stockdale delivered his verdict.
“I thought we deserved to win the game,” he said.
“It was a bit scrappy at times, but I thought the players showed amazing grit and determination in difficult circumstances.
“We had two players go off injured in the first half and the two goals we conceded were obviously soft to say the least.
“We have got to get out of the habit of needing to score two goals to draw, but towards the end I thought there was only one team that was going to win it.
“I spoke after the Middlesbrough game and said we needed to do better in the big moments,” he continued.
“It is clear we need to cut those (mistakes) out.
“Nobody means to make a mistake but unfortunately when you are in the position as a goalkeeper and you make a mistake usually the ball ends up in the back of the goal.
“The players have given me everything, the staff around me – the ones people don’t see – have been absolutely fantastic.
“We are disappointed to draw, I thought we should’ve had a penalty when Lewis was fouled late on.”