ARSENAL SETTLE FOR A 1-1 DRAW AGAINST SUNDERLAND

SUNDERLAND grasp a last minute equaliser through Darrent Bent deep in injury time to deny Arsenal from going top of the Premier League at the Stadium Of Light yesterday.

The Black Cats trailing Arsenal 0-1 through Cesc Fabregas early goal in the 13th minute clawed their way back till the final whistle to snatch a valuable point.

Arsene Wenger fielded the same line-up in the midweek Champion League match against FC Braga took the lead with a freak goal by captain Cesc Fabregas. Defender Anton Ferdinand was caught late to clear the ball unfortunately struck Cesc Fabregas leg flew over goalkeeper Mignolet into the net from 35 yards.

Despite the setback, Steve Bruce's men did well to put everything in the match and inching closer and closer with the visitor doing much of the defending. In the 15th minute they could had easily level the tie. But Manchester City on loan defender, Onouha who was completely unmarked headed the ball over the bar.

In the 28th minute the Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas caught limping after suffering an ankle injury had to be taken out and replaced by Tomas Rosicky.

The home side started well and give a good account of themselves in the second half through Arsenal's freak goal but it was the visitor who nearly took the lead through Andre Arshavin. With the goal at his mercy the Russian's horribly putting it wide.

In the 53rd minute Sunderland goalkeeper, Mignolet made a fine save denying Maroune Chamakh in the box.

Then all of sudden in the 54th minute Arsenal were down playing with 10 men when Arsenal's Alexander Song was booked for his foul on Steve Malbranque for his second yellow and referee Phil Dowd send the midfielder down to the tunnel.

Steve Bruce quick to send in Ghana's world cup star new signing Asamoah Gyan to add more bite in attack.

In the 73rd minute, Arsenal had a great chance to double the lead when Phil Dowd blew for a penalty. Al-Muhammadi reckless tackle inside the box on Samir Nasri was spot on well by the referee. But Tomas Rosicky awfully send his penalty kick sky high.

Sunderland press hard to find the equaliser with Arsenal putting everybody back with only Chamakh stay up just incase. With four minutes added time, Sunderland launch desperately for the equaliser.

With the four minutes already completed, the home side made one last final raid. A sloppy clearance in the box by Gael Clichy struck Koncielny saw the ball directly went straight to Darrent Bent. The striker wasted no time blasting the ball into the roof of the net to brought much delight to the home crowd.