There was a sense of grim trepidation in the Stadium of Light press room before kick-off when the subject of Bristol City's long wait for a penalty kick was discussed. Not since November 6, 2021 - 469 days and 47 games ago - had the Robins been awarded a penalty.
So there was an air of inevitability about it when, with Sunderland defending a narrow one-goal lead, referee Gavin Ward pointed to the spot in injury-time to give the visitors a chance to salvage a point in front of the Roker End. At least there could be no arguments about the decision.
Trai Hume had dragged down Jay Dasilva after the sub had got past him, grabbing his ankle to prevent him getting in on goal. Could Anthony Patterson come to Sunderland's rescue as he had when he saved a penalty at a crucial stage in the win at QPR in midweek?
