Crystal Palace were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles, who extended their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions with the point, put Regis Le Bris’ side under heavy pressure towards the end of the game but Black Cats keeper Robin Roefs pulled off several stunning saves.
It was a determined display from Sunderland as the newly-promoted side took their own tally to seven points in four games on their return to the top flight.
Yeremy Pino made his full Palace debut and looked promising, while fellow new signing Christantus Uche was introduced off the bench late on, but the hosts couldn’t find a way through.
Following the clash Daily Mail Sport’s WILL PICKWORTH has picked out three talking points from Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon
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Oliver Glasner’s side spurned several late chances but they remain unbeaten this season
Pino shows signs he can fill Eze void
There was significant excitement ahead of Yeremy Pino’s full Crystal Palace debut, with the addition of a 15-cap Spain international a significant coup as the Eagles attempt to fill the void left by Eberechi Eze.
And Pino showed signs he can do just that by being his side’s most dangerous outlet, although he did miss a golden chance when through on goal in the first half.
After switching to the left, Pino went close again and there is plenty to build on from his display.
‘I’m very pleased with his performance,’ Oliver Glasner said. ‘He will have to adapt but he was good and it gives me a good feeling that he will score goals for us.’
Yeremy Pino impressed on his full Crystal Palace debut after joining from Villarreal last month
Sunderland’s ambitious overhaul paying off
Sunderland can’t be accused of not giving things a good go this season, with their £161million summer spend on 15 players a record for a promoted club.
Only two members of their starting line-up here were around last season, yet the Black Cats looked a well-drilled outfit.
Regis Le Bris has added some high pedigree players and although they came under heavy pressure towards the end, they battled hard to earn a point.
It might have also been a brutal move to replace Anthony Patterson with new keeper Robin Roefs given his role in last season’s promotion, but the Dutchman looks to be a brilliant addition after making several great saves.
‘We need players at that level in the Premier League otherwise we won’t exist,’ Le Bris said. ‘He is a really good goalkeeper and for me the performance is not a surprise.’
New Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs put in a Player of the Match display on Saturday afternoon
Glasner’s Palace challenge
It was a feeling of frustration for Palace as despite having more than enough chances to win the game they failed to score for the third time this season in all competitions.
Having impressively conceded just once in six matches, Glasner must find a way to unlock his attack in games where his side control proceedings, yet the draw saw Palace extend their unbeaten run to 15 games.
‘I’m a little bit disappointed because I think we deserved to win the game,’ the Austrian said. ‘Today was not our best day regarding scoring goals, but if you don’t score it’s important not to lose.’
