With only one goal in their last four home games Albion's promotion aspirations are becoming clouded.
Sunderland, too, need to find some goalscoring form as they were involved in their third draw in five games during which time they have collected only six points.
Gary Megson, Albion's manager, said afterwards: "We looked shattered and we were a yard off the pace.
"It was a lot to ask after two hours against Newcastle, to come up against a very good Sunderland side.
"I am relieved in a way but pleased in another because most teams would have lost that game."Sunderland boss, Mick McCarthy, said: "It was a 0-0 hammering. I thought we were terrific. We were the best team and caused them all sorts of problems."Sunderland were the more dangerous in a goalless first half when goalkeeper Russell Hoult came to Albion's rescue on several occasions.
Marcus Stewart and Kevin Kyle threatened to break the stalemate but Albion's defence remained firm with Thomas Gaardsoe often kept at full stretch by the two Sunderland strikers.
It was a disappointing Albion performance as they sadly missed some midfield craft to set up any attacks.
The lack of support was reflected by Albion's failure to put Sunderland under any real pressure.
Lee Hughes, who was substituted at half time by a furious Megson, went closest to opening the account with a blistering shot which Mart Poom flicked over the bar.
Despite the half-time introduction of Scott Dobie and Artim Sakiri the Baggies were unable to lift their game and were frustrated by the more determined Sunderland side.
Stewart Downing, on loan from Middlesbrough, made an impressive debut with some good probing play and powerful shooting but the north-east club continued to be frustrated by Albion's solid defence.
Albion had a lucky let-off early in the second half when former Sunderland defender, Bernt Haas, cleared a Stewart effort off the line with Hoult well beaten.
They had another escape when Julio Arca put Downing in possession. He darted through and fired in a low shot which hit the far post and bounced clear.