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Sunderland 1-1 Swansea City: Black Cats grab first point of season

APTOPIX Britain Soccer Premier League

Swansea City’s Bafetimbi Gomis, right, scores his goal past goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, left, and Sebastian Coates, bottom right, during their English Premier League soccer match between Sunderland and Swansea City at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

AP


  • Sunderland grab first point of season
  • Gomis now has three goals in three games
  • Ayew hits crossbar for Swans
  • Defoe levels late in the game

Sunderland fought back to grab a point against Swansea at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Bafetimbi Gomis opened the scoring in first half stoppage time but Jermain Defoe scored an eerily similar goal in the second half to split the points.

With the draw Sunderland has one point from their opening three games, while Swansea is still unbeaten with five points from three matches.

[ RELATED: Watch full match replays ]

It was a slow burner to start with at the Stadium of Light as both teams felt their way into the game. Defoe went close after a cross flashed into the near post and Sunderland looked more dangerous than Swansea. Yann M’Vila’s free kick caused some problems in the Swansea defense but Danny Graham’s overhead quick was saved easily be Lukasz Fabianski.

[ RELATED: Latest Premier League standings ]

Jefferson Montero had a great chance before half time but after patient build up play he slammed an effort into the side-netting at the near post.

In first half stoppage time Kyle Naughton slotted in an inch-perfect pass to Gomis and the Frenchman made it three goals in three games with a fine finish into the far corner. Cue the wild panther celebration. 1-0 to Swansea.

[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ]

In the second half Sunderland improved and new signing Jeremain Lens had a goal disallowed for being offside. Swansea regained dominance soon after as Andre Ayew headed Jonjo Shelvey’s cross onto the bar and the Ghanaian forward headed wide soon after as Sunderland’s defense continued to struggle.

[ MORE: Click here for full lineups, stats, box score ]

With 25 minutes to go the Black Cats were level as Defoe got free in the box and slotted home with ease. 1-1. Game on at the Stadium of Light. Gomis went so close to giving Swansea the lead as Costel Pantilimon saved superbly at point-blank range. Soon after Gylfi Sigurdsson sent a shot just over the bar as Swansea pushed to go ahead once again but in the end had to settle for a point.

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