Cesc Fabregas cane to Arsenal's rescue with an injury-time equaliser to deny Sunderland victory after a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
The Gunners were within seconds of suffering successive Premier League defeats for the first time since March last year, after substitute Grant Leadbitter smashed home an 86th-minute goal.
But Fabregas, a week after his side had lost at home to promoted Hull, ensured there was no repeat when he headed Robin van Persie's corner home deep into added-time.
Black Cats boss Roy Keane had not taken a point from one of the top-flight's big four before today, but looked to be heading for all three until the Spaniard's intervention.
The match was Sunderland's first at home since they edged past League One Northampton in the Carling Cup, when the manager was abused by a minority of the club's own fans.
Having turned in a below-par display in the previous home game against derby rivals Middlesbrough before staging a late smash and grab raid, the Irishman had left his players in little doubt as to what would be required when the Gunners arrived on Wearside.
When he welcomed his side back into the dressing room at the break, he could certainly not have faulted their effort or commitment, and but for Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, they might even have been ahead.
The Black Cats had to play second fiddle for long periods and found themselves defending deep and in numbers as the visitors dominated possession without creating too many clear-cut chances.
Player of the Match : Cesc Fabregas
Highlights :
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