Middlesbrough FC

Another forgetful game at the Riverside saw two rivals battle for a point a piece. In the end it was a fair result, but Boro should have been out of sight, again, by half time.

Downing showed his class and value to the team by putting in a man of the match performance in front of a very forgiving crowd. Downing set up Alves for his first Premier league goal of 2009 making his tally now three for the new year. Let's hope he can keep that going.

The defending was pretty poor in the final stages of the game after Digard and Walker had both been substituted for injuries. Jones levelled the scores late on as Sunderland pressured the nervy Boro defence.

A point means we move up a place and also puts a halt to a losing run, but when is our next win coming? West Brom away? Chelsea away? Four points anybody?!!

Come On Boro!!