Sebastian Bassong came close to connecting with Gary Hooper's driven cross which flashed across the face of the six-yard box in the fourth minute before Vito Mannone pushed Nathan Redmond's effort past the post as Norwich began on the front foot.

At the other end, Sebastian Larsson saw one effort fly over the bar before he dragged another well wide.

Ki Sung-Yeung and Fabio Borini then combined well, but the Italian sliced his effort wide of the far post when well placed.

Johan Elmander of Norwich City is chased by Lee Cattermole of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Norwich City at Stadium of Light on December 21, 2013 © Getty Images

Jozy Altidore and Ki both squandered good chances by taking too long to control the ball and allowing covering Norwich defenders to clear as half time approached.

Leroy Fer came close to giving Norwich a half-time lead in the 45th minute, but his sidefooted effort from 20 yards was well saved by Mannone.

Larsson fired a free kick straight at the wall after the break, but the best chance of the second half fell to Hooper, who failed to convert Robert Snodgrass's cross.

Steven Fletcher was introduced with 18 minutes to go as the home side looked for a winner, as the change almost paid dividends. Larsson's corner was flicked into the path of 26-year-old, but the ball bounced off the Scottish striker and hit the wrong side of the post.

Substitute Ricky Van Wolfswinkel failed to beat Mannone with six minutes remaining, but it was Sunderland who had the best chance to take all three points. Borini reached a through ball before John Ruddy and rounded the goalkeeper before squaring to Ki, but the midfielder lifted his 20-yard effort over the bar.

In the dying embers of the game, Wes Brown was given his marching orders for a full-blooded challenge to heap more misery on Poyet's side.