Sunderland came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Swansea City in their Premier League match this afternoon.

The Swans went ahead on the stroke of half time when Bafetimbi Gomis was slipped through by Kyle Naughton and fired into the far corner.

The visitors then made a strong start to the second half and Andre Ayew almost added to their lead when his header crashed against the post.

However, Jermain Defoe soon found the net with a clinical finish after being found by Jeremain Lens, as the Black Cats earned their first point of the season.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at the Stadium of Light.

Match statistics

SUNDERLAND
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 39%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 16

SWANSEA
Shots: 20
On target: 9
Possession: 61%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

Swansea were probably the better team and created enough chances to win the match, but few would begrudge the hosts a share of the spoils after a committed performance this afternoon. They showed far more passion than has been evident in recent weeks and they gave their fans something to cheer with a full-blooded display. The Black Cats actually fell behind on the stroke of half time, when a defensive lapse allowed Gomis to race through and finish past Costel Pantilimon.

The Swans were buoyed by that goal and it seemed as if they would double their lead shortly after the break when Ayew hit the post and headed an effort wide. However, Defoe brought Sunderland back into the contest with a well-taken strike, and the momentum was suddenly on their side. They finished the match strongly and got into some good positions, and although a winning goal failed to materialise, they can be pleased at ending their poor recent run.

Sunderland's performance

The Black Cats were booed off the pitch last weekend, but they gave their fans plenty more encouragement with a drastically improved performance. From the first whistle they made sure that their opponents had little time on the ball, and a total of four yellow cards picked up throughout the course of the afternoon showed a more stern edge to their play.

Despite the final result and the positive attacking play that they produced in the second half, Dick Advocaat will still have major concerns about his side's defence. They switched off and allowed Gomis to break through too easily to score his goal, which came at such a crucial time in the match. At the start of the second half they were also given problems and were fortunate not to concede a second goal. Some fine saves from Pantilimon also helped them to secure a point, but it may not stop the manager from making big chances to his squad before the transfer window closes.

Swansea's performance

Many had expected the Swans to pick up the three points this afternoon, but they failed to produce some of their best football in the first half and were largely restrained to long-range strikes. It all changed for them when Gomis struck to give them a slender lead heading into the break.

They came out at the start of the second half and looked sharper going forward, with Jefferson Montero causing plenty of problems down the wing and delivering a number of telling crosses into the box. Ayew then wasted two big chances, and they were made to pay, as Defoe got in behind their defence to equalise. Garry Monk will not have been pleased at the way his side conceded, but they managed to withstand some late pressure from the hosts to keep up their unbeaten record this season.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Jeremain Lens:

The Dutchman was Sunderland's best player on the pitch this afternoon and he set up Defoe's goal with a final ball that split open the visitors' defence. He was also lively throughout down the left flank and looked to burst forward at every chance he got.

Biggest gaffe

Ayew will be cursing his luck at not being able to find the back of the net. He saw a great header hit the post, before nodding an effort wide a few minutes later. That second chance came just moments before Defoe equalised for Sunderland, leaving the Swans reflecting on what could have been if it had gone in.

Referee performance

It was a busy afternoon for Neil Swarbrick on his return to Premier League action, as the referee handed out no less than six yellow cards. He also decided against giving each team a penalty, with Montero claiming that he was brought down inside the box by Sebastian Coates and Lee Cattermole shouting for a spot kick when his strike hit Ashley Williams on the arm. However, the referee made the right call each time, as both decisions would have been harsh to give.

What next?

Sunderland:

Advocaat's side will play Exeter City in the League Cup in midweek, ahead of a Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Swansea:

The Swans are up against York City in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday, before they take on Manchester United on Sunday.