Twitter Reacts as Sunderland Secure Premier League Safety with Draw at Arsenal

Wednesday evening's Premier League entertainment had great significance at both ends of the table: Hosts Arsenal needed only a draw to virtually guarantee group-stage entry to next season's Champions League, while Sunderland needed the same result to steer clear of relegation...

"

Arsenal need a point, Sunderland need a point, is it just me that thinks that is looking a pretty good bet? 

— Jonny (@activatednut) May 20, 2015"

Despite the relatively meaningful occasion, it was clear that the Emirates was not at capacity when the game kicked off...

As the first 15 minutes progressed with chances for both sides, the absence of Francis Coquelin—who had been replaced by Jack Wilshere—was a concern for Gunners fans...

"

I see Wenger has dropped his £40m defensive midfielder and is retrying the Wilshere Ramsey pairing so many hated earlier this year! BANTS

— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) May 20, 2015"

As the half-hour mark approached, there was also plenty of consternation surrounding Olivier Giroud, who was putting in another unconvincing performance...

"

Im sorry but giroud just aint good enough to be our main striker

— H (@Hkwest) May 20, 2015"

"

Claude was right all along, Giroud genuinely is just a lamppost now he just stands in the box and let's the ball bounce off him

— Jack. (@Debooshy) May 20, 2015"

Throughout the first half, Sunderland's Adam Johnson was trending, mainly due to the fact that he was playing a few days after appearing in court to face child sex charges. Most of the "banter" circulating on Twitter is not fit to reproduce here, but many questioned whether he should be allowed to play...

"

Sunderland's main flair play is Adam Johnson. Do you know how boring life must be for them?

— Jack Hanson (@Parasnaps) May 20, 2015"

"

Original football chants to Adam Johnson " innocent until proven guilty, you're innocent until proven guilty"#ARSSUN

— Jeremy fuggle (@jezfuggle) May 20, 2015"

Wilshere also trended through the first half, but reviews of his return to action were somewhat mixed...

"

Wilshere is class

— Tee (@_Teeboy) May 20, 2015"

"

See arsenal Sunderland playing out a draw fixed I think

— Lee Mcchrystal (@bestie80) May 20, 2015"

Half-time arrived without any goals, a circumstance that suited both sides...

One of the main forms of entertainment from the game appeared to be the positioning of Lee Cattermole's shorts...

As the second half progressed at a similar tempo, a common criticism was levelled at the home side...

"

People saying we're playing too slow, it's near impossible with that many players on the edge of the box to play quick #Arsenal

— • Marss Aiko (@marsshutdown) May 20, 2015"

As the hour mark approached, Arsenal had several good chances to take the lead, but they were denied by fantastic saves from Costel Pantilimon. The Premier League's tallest player was showered with praise...

"

Pantilimon is the best 'keeper in the world. #FACT

— NDJ0602 (@NDJ0602) May 20, 2015"

The Gunners continued to apply pressure in the final third, but to no avail. The Black Cats won plaudits for their tenacious defending...

"

Sunderland unreal defending

— NBK (@nadimboukarroum) May 20, 2015"

"

Sunderland heatmap... pic.twitter.com/CL4nb8atDw

— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) May 20, 2015"

There was plenty of action at each end, but a game that was always destined to be a draw ended up with honours even at 0-0. Both sets of supporters were content, but those form the north-east were utterly elated...

"

Heroic from #Sunderland tonight, deserved what they got. Defended for their lives and still created chances. pic.twitter.com/TDTrL04GAJ

— Alan Delmonte (@alandelmonte) May 20, 2015"

"

Is Dick Advocaat crying because he's going to have to stay at Sunderland for another year?

— 138.com (@138dotcom) May 20, 2015"

Follow @RyanJayBailey