Sunderland had Lee Cattermole and David Meyler sent off, while Matt Kilgallon volleyed against a post.

BBC: Portsmouth 1-1 Sunderland

Any momentum the visitors might have been building was halted by another rash challenge, this time by Palacios on David Meyler.

BBC: Sunderland 3-1 Tottenham

Teenager David Meyler has also signed for the Wearside club from Cork City, along with experienced goalkeeper Nick Colgan, who was released by Ipswich.

BBC: Malbranque signs Sunderland deal

Despite its paucity, a long delay in the match was unwelcome - young Sunderland midfielder David Meyler, who had not long returned after a cruciate ligament injury, was stretchered off after catching his studs in the turf.

BBC: Sport - Football - Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland