Match Report: Sunderland secure a Play-Off spot with goalless draw at Carrow Road

 Norwich 0-0 Sunderland

The Black Cats are now guaranteed a spot in the Play-Offs after a 0-0 draw away to Norwich, with Middlesbrough falling to defeat at the Riverside against Leeds.

The home side started well, putting promotion chasing Sunderland under relentless pressure, but they couldn’t take any of their chances. However after Norwich dominated the early exchanges, neither side could break the deadlock in a stalemate at Carrow Road.

Regis Le Bris made four changes to the side that picked up three points at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

Leo Hjelde returned at left back with Trai Hume moving back to right back and Alan Browne moving into the midfield three due to the absence of Jobe because of a minor injury.

Eliezer Mayenda and Milan Aleksic came in for Wilson Isidor and Patrick Roberts.

Tommy Watson made his first appearance since last weeks announcement of his move to Brighton in the summer. The winger replaced Romaine Mundle who was forced off through injury in the Midlands.

The Canaries had multiple chances in the opening stages, Anis Ben Slimane had a close-range header which clipped the outside of the post. Championship top goalscorer Borja Sainz then forced a low save from Anthony Patterson.

Marcelino Nunez came closest to open the scoring in the first half with Chris Mepham on guard to block the Chilean’s goal bound effort.

Norwich thought they had the lead on 55 minutes when Sainz’s rabona cross was spilt by Patterson, but Emiliano Marcondes challenged with his hand and the goal was ruled out.

Sunderland came more into the game in the second half, Watson drove past his defender before firing a low cross into the area, however Mayenda’s effort was scuffed and easily cleared.

Le Bris decided to role the dice bringing on Enzo Le Fee, Isidor and Roberts to replace Watson, Aleksic and Hjelde with just over 20 minutes to play.

Shortly after the changes Mayenda had a chance to open the scoring again. The forward was played through by Dan Neil beat Shane Duffy and forced a close range save from Angus Gunn onto the side netting.

20-year-old Harrison Jones made his second league appearance of the campaign replacing Chris Rigg on 82 minutes.

Sunderland are back in Championship action against Swansea City on Saturday in a 3pm kick off at the Stadium of Light.