Sunderland and Coventry City played out an entertaining goalless draw at the Coventry Arena on Saturday. 

Tony Mowbray's side travelled to the midlands full of belief after last weekend's comeback win against Rotherham but their issues in attack came to the fore once again as they failed to find a way past home goalkeeper Ben Wilson. 

The hosts, who also fell short in last season's playoffs, also had opportunities to win the game through Haji Wright and Ellis Simms, but were denied by an in-form Anthony Patterson. 

Mowbray made one change from the side that triumphed last weekend, as Abdoullah Ba replaced the injured Patrick Roberts on the right-hand side. 

Coventry were the stronger side in the first half, with only a combination of fine goalkeeping and poor finishing ensuring that Sunderland didn't go behind. 

Simms, who hit seven goals on loan for the Black Cats last season, was perhaps feeling generous against his old side, as he hit Coventry's best chance straight at Patterson when played in on goal by Kasey Palmer. 

Matty Godden, who had scored in every game previous to this one, also failed to provide the finishing touch when a cross was deflected to him in the area, hitting straight at Patterson. 

Sunderland rallied in the second half, with Dan Neil forcing Wilson into a smart stop after shooting from range, with Dennis Cirkin also denied on the follow-up. 

The Black Cats' best chance perhaps fell to Jack Clarke after an intricate one-two with Bradley Dack, but his shot was deflected narrowly over the bar. 

Coventry perhaps should have won it when Wright was found in the box late on, but once again his shot was straight at Patterson, and it would finish 0-0.

The result means that Mowbray's side have just four points from their opening four games, with another tough fixture against Southampton to come this weekend.