Analysis: Sunderland avoid ruing wasteful first half

[Getty Images] Sunderland looked like they would rue failing to take advantage of their first-half dominance. They have recovered from an opening-weekend defeat by Ipswich to beat Fulham and now pick up this draw. Sunderland had so much of the ball in and around Brentford's area in the opening 45 minutes with 25 touches inside the box. Yet they failed to create many clear-cut chances apart from when Enzo Le Fee rattled the bar. They may argue Daniel Ballard's goal should have stood - and what a finish it was from the defender - but Kevin Danso was clearly blocking Caoimhin Kelleher. Regis le Bris' side seemed stunned by Brentford's changes at the break and it took them a while to really get to grips with the game again in the second half. Wilson Isidor's introduction in the 64th minute brought more of a threat while deadline day signing Malik Fofana may bring more creativity in the coming weeks after the former Lyon winger made his debut here as a second-half substitute. Le Fee could have crumbled under the pressure after his mistake last season but he kept his cool with a fine spot-kick and a point was deserved for the visitors. The Sunderland attacking midfielder now has 12 goal involvements in the league since the start of last season with six goals and six assists, more than any other Black Cats player.