One of the Premier League's most in-form teams, fourth-placed West Ham travelled to the north east on the back of three straight top-flight victories, but found themselves frustrated by a resolute Sunderland outfit.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet spoke of his desire to turn draws into wins in the lead up to the game after a run of results that had seen his team take a share of the spoils against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.
And it looked as if the Wearsiders were set to claim only their third Premier League win of the campaign when Jordi Gomez gave them the lead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute.
Yet West Ham's response was swift and Stewart Downing quickly levelled matters in the 29th minute.
From there, West Ham looked the more likely to push on and take all three points but, despite a string of second-half chances, they were left to settle for a point that may cool talk of a UEFA Champions League challenge.
Poyet's side lived dangerously in the early going and goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon was forced into a near-post save in the sixth minute to deny Carl Jenkinson following a poor defensive header from John O'Shea.
Allardyce was left much happier with matters just seven minutes later, though, with Downing restoring parity by cutting on to his left foot and unleashing a low effort that deflected off a defender and beyond the outstretched hand of Pantilimon.
Aside from their spot-kick, Sunderland created little in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.
However, they should have retaken the lead on the stroke of half-time, Jozy Altidore somehow failing to connect with Sebastian Larsson's right-wing cross from three yards out with the goal at his mercy.
Pantilimon was soon forced into action at the other end to prevent to thwart Aaron Cresswell from close range, before Andy Carroll chipped narrowly over the bar after neat link-up play with Diafra Sakho.
But neither side were able to nick a late winner, instead taking a hard-fought point apiece.
