Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal

Leadbitter (86)
Fabregas (90+3)

Cesc Fabregas scored an stoppage-time header to rescue a point for Arsenal after Grant Leadbitter's stunning drive looked to have given Sunderland the victory.

A poor first half saw few chances. Cisse broke twice, but was thwarted by Manuel Almunia in Arsenal's goal.

Soon after the break Arsenal thought they had opened the scoring, but Van Persie's effort was ruled out as Walcott's cross was judged to have gone out of play for a goal kick. Replays suggest the decision was harsh.

The second half was better Gordon made a fine save to deny Van Persie.

The Sunderland team defended well Malbranque was outstanding.

Sunderland began to attack in the final ten minutes and were rewarded by a stunning goal from local boy Grant Leadbitter.

Fabregas rescued a point. Arsenal were poor again. Sunderland's game plan nearly took all three points. They'll think themselves unlucky.

Sunderland: Gordon, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque (Chopra 87), Whitehead, Yorke (Leadbitter 84), Reid, Richardson, Cisse (Murphy 88).
Subs Not Used: Fulop, Bardsley, Diouf, Healy.

Booked: Whitehead, Richardson, Yorke.

Goals: Leadbitter 86.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott (Bendtner 66), Denilson (Nasri 73), Fabregas, Song Billong (Vela 87), Van Persie, Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Silvestre, Djourou, Eboue.

Booked: Clichy, Toure, Adebayor, Bendtner.

Goals: Fabregas 90.

Att: 40,199

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).