Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admitted Christmas shopping would have been more entertaining than watching Saturday's goalless draw with Fulham.
The Black Cats moved up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League table - temporarily at least - but the Craven Cottage encounter was a grim spectacle.
"It was agony. From start to finish and for both sides it was one of those games when we might have gone Christmas shopping," said Bruce.
At one point Sunderland fashioned a four-on-one overlap only for Darren Bent to ruin the move with a dreadful pass.
"When we had four against one and we overplayed the pass, that summed up our afternoon," Bruce continued.
"I couldn't fault the effort or endeavour and this was probably the youngest side we've ever put out in the Premier League.
"But we pride ourselves on keeping the ball better. We had too many players who tried hard, but who were way off it.
"You couldn't argue with the resilience or effort. We just lack that bit of passing and composure on the ball.
"You're always delighted to come away from home with a clean sheet and get a point. However, I'm disappointed because had we played anywhere near where we're capable of like we've been doing for the last few weeks, we might have got three. But you're always pleased with a point away from home in this league.
"We're sixth in the Premier League. I can't be displeased about that."
Source: PA
