SUNDERLAND, England (AP) — Sunderland came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Everton and move into fourth place in the Premier League on Monday.
The Black Cats finished level with Liverpool and Bournemouth, continuing to confound skeptics of their impressive return to the top flight.
Sunderland were aiming for their first three consecutive wins in the top flight in 10 years, but a solitary goal from Everton winger Iliman Ndiay put them behind in the 15th minute.
The Senegalese international collected the ball on the right touchline, about 40 meters from goal, dribbled past four defenders and fired a stunning left-footed shot past the stationary keeper.
Everton started to dominate, with Jack Grealish hitting the post midway through the first half and a few minutes later Tierno Barry slicing over the top from close range.
However, Sunderland returned to the game immediately after the restart.
Captain Granit Xhaka’s shot from outside the box was deflected, denying Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal a chance.
The Black Cats led for most of the second period but were unable to find the goal that would move them ahead of Manchester City into second place.
“Today we conceded three points in the first 25 minutes,” Xhaka told Sky Sports. “We were sloppy with the ball and made a lot of mistakes, which is punishable at this level, but we were very good in the second half. We created a lot of chances, so with a little bit more luck we can win this game.”
Next up is a mouth-watering home fixture against leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Everton, who are in 14th place without a win in three games, will play Fulham, who are below them, on the same day.
Manager David Moyes agreed that his side had the upper hand in the early stages and regretted missed chances.
“After 25 minutes, I would have been really disappointed if we had left with only one point. But as the game progressed, especially in the second half, we were excited to get the points,” Moyes said. “The second half was terrible. We could have led by a few points in the first 25 minutes, but we couldn’t get the second goal.”
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