Sunderland came back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Southampton in the Premier League, thanks to a strike and an assist from winger Adam Johnson.

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A point seemed unlikely for the Black Cats in the initial stages as the Saints powered into an early lead courtesy of a well-struck effort from striker Jay Rodriguez after the hosts had failed to clear the ball away from danger.

Sunderland struggled to withhold Southampton's early pressure and could have fell further behind when Rodriguez again popped up, but his shot was blocked.

Rickie Lambert then gave home fans cause to worry when his clever interchange with Morgan Schneiderlin handed the England forward space shoot and his effort was only inches wide of Vito Mannone's right-hand post.

Mauricio Pochettino's charges did double their advantage when another set piece saw Dejan Lovren meet the ball on the volley and his effort was too good for the Sunderland keeper.

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However, the Black Cats managed to pull a goal back within seconds and very much against the run of play when Johnson's cross reached Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini, who steered the ball beyond the reach of Artur Boruc.

Southampton's luck deserted them in the second half as they surrendered their lead and lost two players to potentially nasty injuries.

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Gus Poyet's side had thought they had equalised when Borini's effort hit the back of the net just after the hour mark, but the goal was ruled for offside.

Sunderland did get back on level terms when Johnson, fresh from his match-winning hat-trick at Fulham last weekend, unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the box that beat Boruc, although the Polish keeper may feel that he could have dealt better with the shot.

The hosts almost forged a late lead when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball reach Steven Fletcher shoot from a tight angle, but Boruc redeemed himself with a crucial save.

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Southampton lost goalscorer Lovren and substitute Gaston Ramirez to injuries, with both players carried off on stretchers.

In the end, Sunderland took a point that moves them level on points with Cardiff City and West Ham United, but keeps them in the Premier League relegation zone.