Sunderland 1 Arsenal 1
A goal in stoppage time from Darren Bent earned a deserved point for Sunderland against an Arsenal side reduced to 10-men at the Stadium of Light.
The Gunners went in front in bizarre fashion when a Cesc Fabregas block on a clearance from Anton Ferdinand flew in from 40 yards out.
Arsenal had Alex Song dismissed for two bookable offences and missed before Bent smashed in a loose ball from six yards after Gael Clichy failed to clear his lines.
Steve Bruce’s side played with passion from start to finish but fell behind in the most unusual manner after 13 minutes.
The lively Fabregas gambled and ran towards Ferdinand who was about to clear. He stuck aout a hopeful boot and watched his block sail 40 yards over the stranded Simon Mignolet and into the net.
Sunderland had enough chances to go into the break 2-1 ahead. Defender Nedum Onuoha headed over from six yards and Cristian Riveros could not make a solid connection with a right-sided cross from Ahmed Elmohamady.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men after Song was shown a second yellow for blocking Steed Malbranque.
With time running out, Arsenal missed a penalty when Tomas Rosicky inexplicably blazed over the bar
It looked as though the Black Cats were going to suffer only their second home defeat in 13 outings until Bent grabbed a dramatic late equaliser.
With five minutes of injury time played and only seconds remaining, Arsenal full back Clichy cleared straight to Bent who fired high into the goal.
