Sunderland and Norwich City go into the half-time break at the Stadium of Light with the score level at 0-0.
Sebastian Bassong came close to connecting with Gary Hooper's driven cross that flashed across the face of the six-yard box in the fourth minute before Vito Mannone pushed Nathan Redmond's effort past the post.
At the other end, Sebastian Larsson saw one effort fly over the bar before he dragged another well wide.
Ki Sung-Yeung and Fabio Borini then combined well, but the Italian sliced his effort wide of the far post when well placed.
Jozy Altidore and Ki both squandered good chances by taking too long to control the ball and allowing covering Norwich defenders to clear as half time approached.
Leroy Fer came close to giving Norwich a half-time lead in the 45th minute, but his side-footed effort from 20 yards was well saved by Mannone.
