West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland have played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in today's Premier League opener at The Hawthorns.
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After just five minutes, Jonas Olsson attempted to clear a dangerous Sunderland foray into the Baggies box, but the ball fell to Lee Cattermole, who rifled into the top corner from 25 yards for just his second goal in a Black Cats shirt.
Rather than breathe life into the game, proceedings slowed down after the early goal and the match was devoid of much action until the 23rd minute, when Saido Berahino struck wide after receiving the ball inside the box.
The game did open up midway through the first half, and chances fell to players from both sides, with Sunderland defender Valentin Roberge heading wide from close range on the half-hour mark.
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Chris Brunt and Craig Gardner then came close for the Baggies, before a penalty was awarded to the home side after Roberge's tussle with Victor Anichebe. Berahino made no mistake from 12 yards to put his side back into the game.
The 21-year-old struck again in the 73rd minute after converting a deep Gardner cross at the far post - the England Under-21 international getting the better of Patrick van Aanholt and tapping the ball into the net.
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The Dutch left-back made amends, however, when his low cross fell perfectly to Sebastian Larsson, who had a simple finish to make it 2-2 with just five minutes left to play.
Giuseppe Labellarte
