Sunderland appeared on course for victory when Jermain Defoe gave his side the lead from the penalty spot, but Jay Rodriguez - who is rumoured to be on his way out of the club - denied the Black Cats a first league success under David Moyes with a goal five minutes from time.

After a quiet opening it was Southampton who dominated during the first 20 minutes, but they were unable to break the deadlock as Jordan Pickford held his own on just his third appearance in the top flight.

Dusan Tadic drilled a half-volley over the crossbar with 10 minutes gone before Pickford twice had to be alert to keep out Charlie Austin, who was making just his third start in a Southampton shirt.

As the first half progressed, Sunderland improved and almost took the lead when Lamina Kone directed a header wide of the far post.

The Black Cats ended the half strongly but Southampton had the best opportunity before the break with Cedric Soares seeing a left-footed effort well held by Pickford.

Soon after the restart, Papy Djilobodji sent a shot just wide of the post and Fabio Borini saw a free kick saved by Fraser Forster but up until the last 15 minutes, Southampton dominated proceedings.

However, they were unable to find a way past Pickford who was putting in an inspired performance in the Black Cats goal, with the England Under-21 international twice denying Nathan Redmond either side of somehow keeping out a close-range effort from Shane Long.

His contribution eventually paid off as Sunderland went in front from the penalty spot with 10 minutes remaining when Defoe lashed the ball past Forster after being barged to the ground by Jose Fonte.

However, Southampton found a second wind and as the game approached full time, and they netted an equaliser through Rodriguez who managed to squeeze a shot under Pickford and into the net.

The home side pressed for a winner but Sunderland were able to hold on to claim their first point of the campaign.