Granit Xhaka’s first goal for Sunderland earned them a deserved point at home to Everton which lifted the Black Cats to fourth in the Premier League table.
Everton were dominant for the first half hour and led through Iliman Ndiaye’s wonderful solo goal.
They could have had more, but were then anonymous for the next 60 minutes as the hosts took complete control.
Xhaka rattled in 45 seconds into the second half and despite nine more shots on goal they could not find a way past returning former favourite Jordan Pickford.
A win would have taken the hosts second but they will still be delighted with 18 points from their opening 10 games back in the top flight.
Everton have been solid enough under David Moyes and went close after just 12 seconds when James Garner lashed wide. Ndiaye did deliver the lead when he picked the ball up on the right, cut inside and beat three men before bending in a fine shot from the edge of the area.
Jack Grealish then hit the post as Everton looked much more switched on and intense in the early stages.
Striker Thierno Barry missed a sitter, blazing over from Grealish’s cross – and Everton did not have another shot on goal until the 85th minute. Barry is yet to have a shot on target since joining the club.
Sunderland mounted some pressure late in the first half but came out a different team, levelling inside 45 seconds of the restart. The enterprising Enzo Le Fee had a shot blocked and Xhaka followed in to rattle a shot past Pickford off the toes of James Tarkowski and the crossbar.
Sunderland loaded the area with plenty of long throws and half chances but Everton could have won it in added time but made a total mess of a two-on-one breakaway.
