Everton looked to be in complete control after taking an early lead but Sunderland fought back and looked the more likely winners after the half hour mark.
They had initially struggled to compete both physically and technically, but eventually came alive and put the opposition on the back foot.
Despite limiting Everton’s attacking threat for much of the second half, Sunderland could not take advantage of their dominance and settled for a point.
Story of the match
Everton were on the front foot within the opening 30 seconds - James Garner’s left-footed shot from the edge of the box flew just wide of the post.
It was a reasonably even affair for the following quarter of an hour, before Ndiaye manipulated his way past multiple defenders and fired into the top corner.
The away side remained in the ascendancy and had a chance to double their lead. Jack Grealish put a pinpoint cross to the back post but Thierno Barry missed the target from point blank range.
Thierno Barry missed a chance to double Everton's lead. Source: Chris Brunskill - Fantasista
Sunderland players and fans were frustrated for much of the game, particularly by the lack of fouls given in their favour.
However, they finished the half with intensity, forcing the Toffees back into their own defensive third as they took their turn to pile on the pressure.
The hosts take control
Wilson Isidor struggled to make an impact on the game but had the first clear chance to level the score when Enzo Le Fée put him through on goal, only for Michael Keane to recover just in time to make a block.
Long throw-ins were an important weapon in Sunderland’s win over Chelsea last weekend and they continued to cause problems against Everton.
Last-ditch clearances were the only thing that stopped Sunderland equalising within the first 45 minutes.
They did, however, manage to level the game up within the opening minute of the second half: Xhaka’s shot was deflected onto the crossbar via James Tarkowski and into the net, past a helpless Jordan Pickford.
Roles were reversed as the home side were the ones to begin the half in a dominant manner.
They had a lot of momentum as they tried to take an immediate lead, until Everton eventually managed to calm the game down slightly.
Sunderland were able to maintain the upper hand and looked the most likely to score, as Mukiele’s long throws continued to cause chaos.
There were loud handball appeals around the Stadium of Light throughout the second half but none of the alleged offences were deemed to warrant a penalty.
Xhaka stood out not just for his goal, but the role he played in creating chances for Sunderland.
The captain was accurate with his crosses, from open play and set pieces, but his teammates were unable to frequently trouble Pickford.
Both sides’ right wingers provided a spark at various points in the game, although Ndiaye’s was put out as his team struggled to keep control of the ball.
As both managers made double substitutions, Everton began to make more efforts to push for a winning goal of their own; particularly through Grealish on the left wing.
Mukiele’s throw-ins remained a theme up until the final whistle but Everton grew in confidence as they faced more of them, generally handling the threat well.
It was a well-fought affair and, while Sunderland were the better side for most of the match, Everton may leave the north east with some regret, due to how well they started.
In the end, both defences stood firm to ensure the points were shared.
Newly promoted Sunderland continue their impressive start to the season and spend another week in the top four of the Premier League.
The experienced Sunderland captain scored his first goal for the club since signing in the summer.
However, his creativity via crosses was such that the hosts had multiple opportunities to take all three points.
Sunderland struggled to find their feet in midfield at the start of the match but, by the end, they had control over the centre of the pitch, largely thanks to the Swiss international.