Sunderland and Southampton have headed into half time level following a goalless first half at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.

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The hosts tried to get off to a bright start as Duncan Watmore made a run forward from midfield on his first Premier League start, but the Saints were able to clear the danger.

Southampton started to dominate possession, with Jordy Clasie and Dusan Tadic linking up through the middle, resulting in the latter crossing the ball in for Sadio Mane, but he could not slice his finish in from a tight angle.

Ronald Koeman's side came close again with just over 15 minutes played as Graziano Pelle flicked the ball on for Tadic, but Costel Pantilimon made the save, before he denied Mane moments later as the winger blasted a powerful finish towards the bottom corner.

The keeper was needed again just before the half-hour mark when a Maya Yoshida cross fell for James Ward-Prowse, but Jordi Gomez blocked his effort before Pantilimon dealt with Pelle's follow-up.

Sunderland made a rare venture into the Southampton box just after the half-hour mark as Yann M'Vila played the ball through for Ola Toivonen, but the Swedish forward could only fire wide.