Sunderland 1 Albion 1

ALBION were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Sunderland after they conceded a late leveller at the Stadium of Light.

Nacer Chadli's third goal in four games looked to have handed the Baggies all three points - the Belgium international latching on to Matt Phillips' first-half throughball to slot home on the back of his brace against West Ham United.

But the Baggies were thwarted by Patrick van Aanholt's 83rd-minute equaliser from inside the penalty area to ensure the visitors suffered late disappointment in the north east.

However, Albion remain on a three-match unbeaten run heading into the international break having taken nine points from their opening seven matches of the campaign - lying ninth in the table.

The Black Cats spurned a glorious opportunity after just four minutes as Jermain Defoe, played onside and in acres of space, pulled his shot wide before Chadli forced a smart save from Jordan Pickford at the other end.

Phillips and James McClean, making his 100th Premier League appearance against his former club, both tried their luck from distance before Albion took the lead in the 35th minute.

Claudio Yacob, fresh from signing a new-and-improved two-year contract this week, won the ball in midfield and found Phillips, who sent clear Chadli and he raced past Lamine Kone before firing low across Pickford and into the net.

McClean snatched at a good chance to put the Baggies 2-0 ahead before the break while, after the restart, skipper Darren Fletcher stung the palms of Pickford and Chadli volleyed off target.

Jonny Evans produced a superb block to deny Defoe as the second half wore on while Salomon Rondon forced a low save from Pickford.

Tony Pulis' side remained resolute and looked to be heading for victory until van Aanholt's scuffed leveller from Duncan Watmore's cross.