In the fight for Premier League survival, Sunderland and Stoke drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light, despite the home side playing for an hour with just ten men, after the sending-off of Craig Gardner.

The Black Cats were poor in the first half and the visitors took the lead on nine minutes.

Jonathan Walters scored at the second time of asking from close range after his initial effort from a corner was cleared off the line.

It got even worse for Sunderland on 34 minutes, as Craig Gardner received a red card for a reckless challenge on Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam. Replays concluded that the former-Villa star probably deserved his red card.

Sunderland came out like a different team in the second half and showed far more energy in the second period. However, Stoke striker Cameron Jerome went close to doubling the Potters lead from a cross by Charlie Adam.

Sunderland started looking a threat from set-pieces and centre-back John O’Shea saw an effort cleared off the line by Potters midfielder Dean Whitehead. The former-United defender did get on the score sheet on 63 minutes though.

Ryan Shawcross did not react to Sebastian Larsson corner and O’Shea prodded home through the legs of Asmir Begovic in the Potters goal. The Black Cats continued to look the more likely team to score a second goal.

The north east side came close to claiming the win near the end, when Danny Rose’s low drive clipped the outside of the post. In the end, neither side could find a winner. The point could prove to be valuable for both in the fight against relegation.

Stoke are now six points clear of the relegation zone, while the Black Cats are just three points clear of the drop zone. Much will depend on Wigan’s home clash this evening against Swansea. If the Latics win, they will move out of the drop zone and on level points with Sunderland.

Will Stoke and Sunderland both survive the drop this season?