Arsenal opened in a fashion that suggested it was going to be a harrowing afternoon for Sunderland - but Keane's side showed real reserves of strength. The Gunners went ahead in the seventh minute when Grant Leadbitter was penalised for a foul on Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal felt hard done by because Abou Diaby curled in a brilliant finish just seconds after referee Rob Styles blew for the free-kick. It was only a brief reprieve for Sunderland as Van Persie rifled a stunning free-kick that flew directly over the head of keeper Craig Gordon, but was unstoppable as it rattled in off the bar. And Sunderland were in further trouble after 14 minutes when Senderos took advantage more hesitant defending to stab Emmanuel Adebayor's cross beyond Gordon. Sunderland were fortunate not to fall three behind six minutes later when Diaby swept home Hleb's cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for what appeared to be a very debatable offside flag against Mathieu Flamini. But Sunderland somehow managed to build on these shaky foundations and pulled a goal back after 25 minutes. Manuel Almunia raced out of goal to halt Jones, but the rebound fell kindly for Wallace, who finished in composed fashion. Arsenal continued to dominate before the interval, and could have restored their two-goal advantage, Gordon doing well to turn over another powerful Van Persie drive and Senderos heading wastefully wide when unmarked. Sunderland hung on, and were rewarded with an equaliser three minutes after the interval as Jones rose to head Liam Miller's cross past Almunia. Arsenal were suddenly in danger of failing to win a game they had dominated, and they were frustrated again after 57 minutes when Toure's brilliant rising drive from 30 yards rebounded to safety off an upright. Sunderland suddenly saw an unlikely point in sight, but survived another scare 13 minutes from time when Hleb's cross found substitute Walcott at the far post, but he missed his kick horribly. Walcott made amends by finally unlocking Sunderland's brave resistance after 80 minutes, sliding in a neat pass for Van Persie to steer a left-foot finish past Gordon. Sunderland were still refusing to lie down, with substitute Anthony Stokes bringing a fine save from Almunia and Jones shooting across the face of goal with the Arsenal keeper out of position following a fine run by Miller. The visitors then lost McShane for a wild tackle on Hleb, and there was still time for Walcott to hit the post in the dying seconds.
Source: BBC Sport
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