'High standard' Black Cats prove unlucky for City

The English Premier League's festive feast turned stale on Jan 1 as the New Year’s Day programme served up three 0-0 draws, most significantly Manchester City’s stalemate at Sunderland which left them four points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

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Second-placed City would have reduced Arsenal’s advantage to two points but instead were frustrated as their winning streak in all competitions was halted at eight.

Liverpool's attack was also found wanting as they drew 0-0 at home to Leeds United, while there were no goals at Brentford as they ground out a draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

The only goals came at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Fulham.

Sunderland have proved stubborn opposition on their return to the Premier League and have now drawn with City, Arsenal and third-placed Aston Villa at their Stadium of Light.

They are only the second promoted team to remain unbeaten in their first 10 home games in a Premier League campaign, after Ipswich Town in 1992-93, and were worth their point.

"It was a good game against a really strong opponent, one of the best in Europe," said manager Regis le Bris.