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Charlie Nicholas says West Brom point may be big for Sunderland

Sunderland manager David Moyes (REUTERS)
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Sunderland drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis and Sunderland manager David MoyesWest Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis and Sunderland manager David Moyes

Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that Sunderland’s draw with West Bromwich Albion could prove to be a big point for them.

The Black Cats hosted Tony Pulis’ team at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon looking to secure their first win of the season.

It looked as if they were in for another disappointing afternoon when Nacer Chadli fired the Baggies into the lead in the 35th minute.

David Moyes’ team rallied, though, and managed to secure a point late on when Patrick van Aanholt levelled with an 83rd-minute strike.

West Bromwich Albion's Nacer Chadli celebrates scoring their first goal with team matesWest Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates

Overall it was a disappointing result for Sunderland, who are in desperate need of all three points at this early stage of the season.

Nicholas, however, believes the one point they salvaged could turn out to be a big one for them.

“I think it could be a big point for them because they were so nervous,” he told Sky Sports.

“To come back from being one behind showed a bit of character. David Moyes didn’t celebrate when they scored but it could prove to be a big point.”

Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt celebrates scoring their first goalSunderland’s Patrick van Aanholt celebrates scoring their first goal

Sunderland must now wait until after the international break to try and secure their first win of the season.

If they are to do so, they will need to show dramatic improvement defensively.

So far they have conceded the second most attempts per game (18) of any club in the Premier League.

That has already seen them concede 13 goals in seven games and rapid improvement will be needed if they are to avoid yet another relegation battle.

Sunderland manager David MoyesSunderland manager David Moyes