Swansea City have failed to capitalise on their dominance at the Stadium of Light and head into half time level with Sunderland.
The visitors took control from the off, putting plenty of pressure on the Black Cats' defence, who were struggling to catch a breather.
Nathan Dyer, Michu, Chico Flores and Jonathan de Guzman all had opportunities to open the scoring, but none of them could effectively test Simon Mignolet.
Itay Shechter also had a penalty claim waved away by referee Chris Foy.
The hosts' only strike on goal came from Craig Gardner's long-range free kick five minutes before the break.