Sunderland hosted Norwich City this afternoon looking to build on their shock League Cup win over Chelsea in midweek, while the Canaries knew a win could lift them into the top half of the table.

Gus Poyet's side dictated play but could not create any cleat-cut opportunities early on, while the visitors made Vito Mannone work on more than one occasion.

Ultimately frustration was the overriding theme of a tough afternoon though, with Wes Brown sent off in stoppage time as a tight game finished goalless.

Here, Sports Mole looks at why neither side were able to break the deadlock in a fairly dour Premier League affair.

Match Statistics

Sunderland:
Shots 19
On Target 5
Possession 59%
Corners 6
Fouls 13

Norwich:
Shots 14
On Target 5
Possession 41%
Corners 7
Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

In all honesty a point apiece on Wearside was probably just about right today, with clear-cut chances at an absolute premium. Sunderland kept the ball better but just could not provide either Jozy Altidore or substitute Steven Fletcher with meaningful service.

Sunderland's performance

Poyet will have mixed emotions this afternoon, with another spirited display lacking a touch of quality that could well have seen the Mackems claim just their third league win of the season. The hosts were able to get the better of a congested midfield battle, but the delivery from wide areas was close to non-existent.

Norwich's performance

Chris Hughton has every right to expect more from Norwich this afternoon, with their rare forays forward producing dangerous moments from Leroy Fer and Gary Hooper. The Canaries had a solidity that was sorely lacking earlier in the season though, picking up a point that eases Norwich towards mid-table safety.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Phil Bardsley: Sunderland's spirited full-back was the best of a bad bunch this afternoon, offering a consistent presence at both ends of the pitch with a willingness to drive forward and provide Emanuele Giaccherini with the freedom to drift inside.

Biggest Gaffe

Wes Brown will have to take this award for launching into a challenge on Ricky van Wolfswinkel in stoppage time with studs showing, picking up a three-match ban which rules the defensive stalwart out of a busy Christmas calendar in the process.

Referee's performance

Martin Atkinson enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon until dismissing Brown in the closing stages, showing welcome leniency early on with the challenges flying in thick and fast.

What next?

Sunderland: With Brown banned the Mackems will need spirit in spades to get a result on Boxing Day, when they take on high-flying Everton at Goodison Park.

Norwich: Hughton will hope home form helps tip the balance when struggling Fulham visit Carrow Road on Thursday, looking for a win that could send the Canaries well clear of the drop zone.