In a game of few chances, the Black Cats couldn’t find a way past a resilient Bolton backline. – and were arguably lucky that the Trotters didn’t capitalise on some golden chances.
But how did the individuals perform at the Stadium of Light? Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings – scroll down and click through the pages to see who shone and struggled:
1. Jon McLaughlin
Got away with one very poor pass but Sunderland owed their point to him, producing some fine stops in one-v-one situations and a stunning second half save to deny Daryl Murphy landing a winner. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
2. Alim Ozturk
Very fortunate to get away with a big error in possession early on, a poor backpass not leading to a goal only due to McLaughlin’s intervention. Improved in the second half but poor on possession. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Jordan Willis
A couple of poor moments in possession but his pace was important and saved Sunderland in some difficult situations when they left themselves exposed. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
4. Tom Flanagan
Pulled up late on with an injury, Parkinson drawing the ire of the fans by replacing him with Laurens De Bock as the scores remained level. Flanagan defended well and was probably Sunderland’s most composed defender. 6 Photo: FRANK REID