Sunderland vs. Arsenal: Score, Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Sunderland and Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday as the Black Cats dragged themselves out of the Premier League’s bottom three.

Both teams had stretches of dominance in the game, but good chances were rare, with Sunderland arguably the more likely to snatch the win. Petr Cech had to be in fine form for the Gunners, whose season is threatening to peter out in disappointing fashion.

Arsenal can now only fight to secure a Champions League spot. Sunday’s draw does little in that pursuit, lifting them only five points clear of Manchester United having played an extra game. Sunderland, meanwhile, leap above Norwich City and out of the relegation zone following the result. 

As shared by Arsenal’s official Twitter account, Jack Wilshere made a welcome return to the Gunners’ bench in one of the few bright spots for Arsene Wenger:

The teamsheets are in for #SFCvAFC. Today’s referee is Mike Dean pic.twitter.com/Jc1RfWXurn

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 24, 2016

Arsenal started the match well, and Alex Iwobi fired the first good chance of the match wide after four minutes. At the other end of the pitch, Cech had to come off his line to punch the ball clear ahead of Jermain Defoe.

Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone was the busier of the two stoppers early, first pushing a deflected Olivier Giroud shot out for a corner-kick before saving a Per Mertesacker header. Arsenal were in control, but the Black Cats also had their chances, with Yann M’Vila firing just wide.

Mohamed Elneny tried his luck from distance and barely troubled Mannone with his attempt, but Patrick Van Aanholt did better, sending his free-kick off a post.  

The hosts grew more comfortable as the half wore on, although chances were rare. Mannone again showed his quality to deny an Alexis Sanchez free-kick, before controversy struck.

Defoe sent a volley into Mertesacker’s arm from close range, and while virtually the entire Stadium of Light claimed a penalty, referee Mike Dean …

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