Sunderland vs. Fulham: Final score 2-2, teams deservedly share points

Fulham and Sunderland played a frenetic game of soccer on Saturday, and both sides will take home points after playing to a 2-2 draw. Sunderland crawled out of a 2-0 first half hole to earn the draw in a game that featured two goals off penalties, and a lot of counter attacking.

Fulham got on the board fairly early when Craig Gardner tripped up Ashkan Dejagah in the box in the 16th minute. A penalty was awarded, which Dimitar Berbatov coolly converted to put his team up 1-0. They doubled their margin later in the first half when Sascha Riether scored, finishing off a perfectly executed counterattack following a Sunderland corner kick.

That lead wouldn't stand for long though, as Philippe Senderos was whistled for a penalty in the box just two minutes later. Gardner atoned for his earlier gaffe by slotting home the penalty, and the two sides took the 2-1 scoreline into halftime.

Sunderland nearly pulled even right after the break, but Mark Schwarzer made a wonderful save from point blank to rob Danny Graham of a goal. The Black Cats stayed on the offensive though, and were able to pull even in the 70th minute when Stephane Sessegnon slotted home a goal off a deflection in the box. Neither team was able to find the winner, however, and both teams will walk away with points they probably deserve.

Fulham will be back in action next Saturday, when they host Chelsea at Craven Cottage. Sunderland also play again on Saturday, and they'll have a great opportunity to pick up three points at Loftus Road against QPR.