Neither side could force a winner in an breathless encounter at the Stadium of Light, where both teams had four efforts on target.
Josko Gvardiol’s close-range header was superbly saved by Sunderland shot-stopper Robin Roefs, before Gvardiol also clipped the outside of the post.
Despite not getting the maximum three points, we’re now undefeated in nine matches across all competitions and Ake believes there is plenty to be positive about going forward.
“It was a tough battle. We knew over here it’s always going to be tough,” he said after the game in his interview with City Studios.
“They have a great record at home. Obviously, disappointing not to get the three points.
“So yeah, disappointment in the end not to get the three points but we keep going. In the end we have to make sure we keep going. It was good to see everyone fighting for every ball.
“You can see with the fans, the way every team battles and plays, every game is going to be tough.
“We just have to keep going, stay positive and we go for the next one.”
Ake also spoke about the boost of having Rodri and Jeremy Doku make their return from injuries and looked ahead to a busy January schedule.
Watch the entire interview via the video at the top of the page.
