Sunderland manager David Moyes chose not to hide his disappointment as his side drew 1-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion yesterday afternoon, in a result that he described as "points dropped and not a point gained" as the Black Cats remain in the bottom three.
It could have been no points gained for Sunderland and it was certainly looking that way until substitute Patrick van Aanholt netted in the 78th minute to cancel out Nacer Chadli's first half opener.
Jermain Defoe had two big chances to get his name on the score sheet for the hosts, but the 33-year-old had a rare off day in front of goal much to the chagrin of the home supporters.
Moyes however reminded fans that their star striker is only human and can have off days, despite fans being "used to seeing Jermain pull the trigger and it ends in the back of the net."
Moyes tries to take the positives
The Scotsman hailed the overall build up play that led to Defoe's first chance with the game scoreless, saying that it was "the best bit of play since I've been here."
Although Moyes admitted he would "have taken a point" with 10 minutes remaining of the match, he added that it was a "big disappointment we didn't take three points".
The draw does nothing to improve Sunderland's position in the league and they dropped to 20th after Stoke City drew with Manchester United earlier today, with Sunderland's astounding run of failing to win a league game in August or September since 2012 leaving them in a precarious position in the Premier League once again .
Coincidentally, the Black Cats face Stoke in their next Premier League game after the international break and you wouldn't rule out Moyes' side bringing something back to the North-East given their performances away from home have been largely better than at the Stadium of Light this season.