Sunderland's winless run continues

Mark Schwarzer, the Fulham goalkeeper, denied struggling Sunderland a first Premier League victory in 14 attempts to leave them hovering precariously above the drop zone. The Australia international kept out Darren Bent's first-half free-kick and then blocked Alan Hutton's left-foot effort after the break to ensure the game ended goalless. Steve Bruce will be relieved Sunderland moved three points clear of the drop zone, but there is little doubt that Roy Hodgson will have been the happier manager as his team extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games three days after they secured their passage to the last 16 in the Europa League.