19 Sep 2010

Arsenal denied win in stoppage time

10:49 am on 19 September 2010

Arsenal were denied victory in football's English Premier League, after Sunderland scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to draw 1-all at home.

Arsenal grabbed the early lead through a bizarre goal from Cesc Fabregas, who blocked a clearance from Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand, and then watched as the ball flew 35 metres over the head of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, and into the net.

Arsenal, who scored 18 goals in their previous four games, were put under a lot of pressure by Sunderland, and consistently found themselves on defence.

The visitors had Alex Song sent off in the 55th minute for a second yellow card, and weren't doing themselves any favours on attack, with Tomas Rosicky sending a 74th minute penalty over the bar.

But just when Arsenal thought they'd held on for the win and a place at the top of the ladder, England striker Darren Bent equalised seconds before the final whistle was blown.

The Sunderland manager, Steve Bruce, says his side were rewarded for their strong performance.