After first point Sunderland looking for first win

The former Olympique Marseille player who announced his presence in English top flight football with goals against Chelsea and Newcastle United in his first two games could not find the back of the net against a determined Sunderland.

Sunderland were transformed from the side which feebly succumbed to Leicester and Norwich in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Swansea, as the Black Cats put their first Premier League point of the season on the board.

He added: “The negative vibe around because of such poor performances has not totally gone – we didn’t win, we got a draw – but it’s something to start with”.

Jermain Defoe might have stolen the headlines for the equalising goal which cancelled out Bafetimbi Gomis’s opener but without the heroics of goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon they would be bottom of the table with zero points.

The official is yet to be given a Premier League game so has never previously taken charge of Swansea.

All in all, it was a much improved display from Advocaat’s men, with O’Shea’s leadership and organisational skills proving invaluable on his return to the team after only being a substitute for the opening two fixtures. “York_City_boss_Russ_Wilcox_believes_his_team_can_cause_a_shock_at_Swansea/?”>The Press. “We will go there with no fear and the surroundings should inspire us”.

Following a couple of close shaves over the last few seasons, the Sunderland side simply do not look strong enough to avoid relegation this time around and although such predictions may be a bit pre-mature, there is no denying the fact that the Black Cats need to bring in new players.

“A player can think “It doesn’t matter how I play, I will play next week”, so you need competition in the games, but also in training so they don’t feel it is easy”. “Lens will also not play because he has some problems with his knee and again we don’t want to take any risks, but he should be okay for Saturday and Jones as well”.

He said: “As a team we are a handful”.

“I was delighted to come back in and help any way I can”. We are a little disappointed not to have three from Sunderland, but it’s one point and it’s better than none and we are going in the right way.