Sunderland and Everton have played out a goalless first half at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Connor Wickham had an early chance for the Black Cats when he rose highest to head over on three minutes and the striker had a similar opening moments later.

The Toffees were dealt a blow when Gareth Barry was forced to be withdrawn and the former Manchester City midfielder was replaced by Darron Gibson after leaving with a leg brace on.

Jordi Gomez forced Tim Howard into a save when he fired in a low strike shortly after the half-hour mark.