IT was another day and another defeat for Sunderland, this time at Goodison Park.

The Black Cats remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table after Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku’s goals did the damage.

Here are the key issues from Sunderland’s latest frustrations:

BATTLE OF THE STRIKERS

Who would come out on top? Jermain Defoe or Romelu Lukaku?

It was a close call in the end, but the bottom line is that it was Everton’s prolific striker who edged it.

Moments after Defoe had rattled the Everton crossbar to come within inches of claiming his 15th of the season, Lukaku broke away at the other end and delivered his 17th (equalling Duncan Ferguson’s Premier League 60-goal scoring record for the club).

Neither had enjoyed the most productive of days up to that point, with opportunities limited for both. However, suddenly Lukaku burst into life, shrugged off Bryan Oviedo and dispatched a finish beyond Jordan Pickford.

This was not Defoe’s day, nor was it Sunderland’s, which is what tends to happen when he doesn’t find the net.

PICKFORD’S RETURN

It was always expected that David Moyes would bring Jordan Pickford back into the side as soon as he felt he was fit enough – and he did just that.

Vito Mannone wasn’t even on the bench, perhaps highlighting his feelings after losing his place to his younger rival for the shirt.

Pickford showed some rustiness at times, having not played since damaging knee ligaments at Manchester United on Boxing Day. He still showed the sort of quality that has made him the hottest goalkeeper prospect in the country.

The 22-year-old made a number of stops even if he spilled a few things, and Sunderland will need him at his very best in the weeks ahead if this relegation fight is to be won.

POSITIVE VIBES

How many times have Sunderland played reasonably well this season and come away with nothing? That was the case again at Goodison Park.

Everton were frustrated at times and Lukaku’s problems in breaking down a John O’Shea inspired defence summed that up. In the end, though, Sunderland didn’t have enough to get the job done and that has been the case more often than not this season.

Defoe’s thunderbolt against the bar aside, Sunderland didn’t really look like scoring an equaliser; they only had one shot on target all afternoon.

It is Manchester City next at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, Sunderland will need to provide more of a threat in that if they are to avoid another defeat.

NO HAPPY RETURNS

David Moyes spent 11 years in charge of Everton but you wouldn’t have known it. He was largely ignored by the home fans, despite enjoying relative success during his time in charge before taking over Manchester United in the summer of 2013.

The low-key reception was highlighted by the fact that returning Everton players Darron Gibson and Bryan Oviedo were given rapturous applause from the same crowd.

Moyes will not be too concerned, his focus is on trying to keep Sunderland up. There are signs that this team has enough to stay in the top-flight, but they need more than that if they are to pull it off.

Sunderland need goals and points, and quickly. There are only 12 matches remaining and Moyes’ men are three points shy of safety. How he’d love to be sitting in Ronald Koeman’s seat now.

MANAGERIAL REACTION

David Moyes said: “Jermain makes a great bit of space to try to get it, to be fair to Everton I think one of their defenders got a touch. Had the technology not been around then maybe it might have counted.

“I wanted to come here and frustrate them, and keep the crowd low level. For long periods we did that. But we didn’t ever do anything really well with the ball. I was glad it was 1-0 at half-time because the boy hit the post after that. We couldn’t have played any worse in than the first half, I wanted them to be braver and I felt we did that.

“I think Jordan’s performances justified him being selected in the first half of the season, that’s why he was selected for England. It is not easy for a young goalkeeper, he is back fit. I have a lot of faith in him. He has good competition. Vito was ill yesterday.”

Ronald Koeman said: “It was a long time comfortable. Maybe second half too comfortable. We dropped the intensity of the game. I was pleased with the first 45 minutes. We had chances to score more goals. Second half we played too much back instead of forwards.

“We had one lucky moment, they had one shot that ended on the bar and that was a dangerous moment and it could have been 1-1 before we went and scored the second.

“It is a long way to be top scorer, we know one of Romelu’s big assets is scoring goals. He is one of the best.”