Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray was full of admiration for the way Nigel Pearson has progressed his youthful side and admitted their counter-attacking qualities stifled them from playing their own game.
Neither manager could argue with a point at full-time as two in-form sides cancelled each other out on the pitch. City were in control of the contest when Jack Clarke fired the hosts ahead with Sunderland's first strike on target on the hour mark.
However, City's persistence and resilience were finally rewarded in stoppage time when Nahki Wells converted from the spot after Jay Dasilva was bundled to the ground. It was no less than the visitors deserved which maintained their unbeaten record in 2023.
