Sunderland frustrated by 10-man Norwich

LONDON (AFP) –

Sunderland’s midfielder Craig Gardner (left) is tackled by Norwich City’s Irish midfielder Wes Hoolahan during their Premier League match at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on March 17, 2013. Sunderland failed to capitalise on the dismissal of Norwich City goalkeeper Mark Bunn as they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland failed to capitalise on the dismissal of Norwich City goalkeeper Mark Bunn as they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

After Wes Hoolahan headed Norwich in front in the 26th minute, the visitors lost Bunn to a straight red card when he handled the ball outside his area.

Craig Gardner levelled for Sunderland with a 40th-minute penalty after a handball by Sebastien Bassong, but Sunderland could find no way past the visitors’ 10 men in the second half.

The draw left Sunderland seven points above the relegation zone after their seventh game without a win, while Norwich jump three places to 11th in the Premier League standings.

The tussle for Champions League qualification takes centre stage later on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur, who began the day in third place, can put seven points between themselves and fifth-place Arsenal if they win at home to Fulham.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will look to tighten their grip on the fourth and final qualifying berth when they welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge.

In the day’s other game, third-bottom Wigan Athletic can close to within three points of safety if they defeat Newcastle United at the DW Stadium.