Everton and Sunderland are goalless at half time in the early Premier League kickoff at Goodison Park.
Leon Osman went close to opening the scoring for the home side, but the midfielder curled his effort just wide of the post.
The Toffees dominated possession early on, and Romelu Lukaku was denied by the onrushing Costel Pantilimon before Ross Barkley's tame effort was blocked.
The visitors looked to stamp their authority on the match, and Jermain Defoe saw his strike deflect wide after hitting the back of teammate Connor Wickham.
Pantilimon thwarted Everton again just before half time, denying both Lukaku and Osman to ensure that the Black Cats headed into the break all square.
