Seb Larsson snatched a late equaliser
to earn Sunderland a 2-2 draw with
West Brom at the Hawthorns on
Saturday to deny Alan Irvine a winning
start in his first match as the Baggies'
new boss.
Lee Cattermole struck a spectacular opening goal to
put Sunderland ahead after just five minutes but
England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino levelled
from the penalty spot just prior to halftime before
netting his second on 74 minutes.
However, Larsson slotted home a low cross from
Patrick van Aanholt five minutes from time to earn
the Black Cats a share of the spoils.
Andre Wisdom, Sebastien Pocognoli and former
Sunderland man Craig Gardner were handed debuts
by Irvine, who took over from Pepe Mel in the
summer, while West Brom's club-record £10 million
signing Brown Ideye was named among the
substitutes.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet included new arrivals Van
Aanholt and Jack Rodwell in his starting line-up but it
was a long-time servant in the combative Cattermole
who made the early breakthrough for the Black Cats.
A partially cleared cross broke to Cattermole 25
yards out and the Sunderland midfielder rifled in a
stunning strike for just his second goal in six seasons
with the north-east club.
Berahino and Chris Brunt had the best chances to
pull West Brom level before the former did so from
the penalty spot on 42 minutes after Victor Anichebe
went down under pressure from Valentin Roberge.
Berahino then gave the Baggies the lead 16 minutes
from time as he volleyed in a Gardner cross at the
far post.
However West Brom, who won a joint-lowest seven
matches along with relegated Cardiff last season,
were undone just before the end as Larsson arrived
in the box unmarked to slide home Van Aanholt's
cross and salvage a point for Sunderland.
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