But Steve Bruce's men were well worth their point, with as spirited a second-half display as you're likely to see.

Before the game, I have no doubt that the home support had their sights set on taking all three points against a Hammers side which finds itself at the wrong end of the table.

But it was hard to be too upset with the draw, after such a rousing second half.

A point was the least the hosts deserved, and you couldn't help but think justice had been served, after some of the visitors' antics left a sour taste.

I'm not going to try to defend Kenwyne Jones's actions, because I don't think you can.

Whatever the provocation, Jones raised his hands, and by the letter of the law had to head for an early bath.

However, that doesn't excuse the pathetic over-acting of Herita Ilunga, who went down clutching his face like he had just been on the receiving end of a haymaker.

To compound this distasteful display, the West Ham physio then proceeded to dab the defender's face as if he was treating him for a cut.

Jones had already received his marching orders, so there was no need for Ilunga's play acting, or for the physio to get in on the act.

On top of that there was the constant diving of Guillermo Franco, who seemed to have made it his mission to get as many players booked as he possibly could.

Those sort of antics were very disappointing to see, particularly when it was coming from a side managed by Gianfranco Zola.

Zola was arguably one of the finest players ever to grace the Premier League, and despite his size he was never one for rolling around on the floor.

I'm sure he received some punishment at the hands of opposing centre-halves, yet just picked himself up, dusted himself down and got on with it.

Shame then, that sort of attitude doesn't seem to have rubbed off on some of his players.

Apart from the hystrionics of some Hammers players, the big disappointment from the weekend is that we now have a real selection dilemma this Saturday.

The trip to White Hart Lane is never an easy one, but the fact that we will be missing Lorik Cana and Jones through bans and Lee Cattermole through injury is a big blow.

Bruce will certainly have his work cut out as he tries to shore up the Sunderland engine room, while giving us a midfield pairing that can compete with Spurs.

Let's just hope we have the same fighting spirit next weekend, and that Darren Bent can put one over his club with the sort of goalscoring display that Harry Redknapp's missus would be proud of.