Both Sunderland and Liverpool had plenty of chances in the first half of the final Premier League match of 2015, but it remains goalless at the break on Wearside.
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Liverpool's now-customary high-pressing style caused Sunderland problems early on, and Roberto Firmino would have had a fine chance to open the scoring had he taken a better touch after Philippe Coutinho robbed possession in a good position.
On the quarter-hour mark it was Sunderland's turn to threaten when Jermain Defoe turned smartly and fired at goal from 20 yards, with Simon Mignolet equal to the strike.
Up the other end Liverpool were trying their luck from distance and after Coutinho's free kick sailed onto the roof of the net, his fellow Brazilian Firmino drew a fine save from Vito Mannone, who fingertipped his long-range effort onto the post.
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Fabio Borini was a lively figure for Sunderland against his former club and went close to putting the struggling Black Cats in front with a sharp turn and shot that flashed just wide of the upright.
Early in the game Nathaniel Clyne had stung Mannone's palms with a vicious 40-yard drive, and the England right-back then turned provider in the 37th minute with a cross into the middle that Firmino headed too close to Mannone.
Pascal Lemesre
