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:

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.

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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 remained unmoved. Sky Sports pundit Michael Gray didn’t understand the decision:

Five minutes later, a very similar incident occurred at the other end of the pitch. This time, it was Iwobi who fired a shot on goal, with the ball taking a deflection and hitting DeAndre Yedlin on the hand. BT Sport’s Ian Darke agreed with both non-calls:

The two decisions cancelled each other out, and they would be the final major incidents of a balanced first half.

Sunderland gave a strong impression during the first half, and the Black Cats started the second on a similar note, drawing two good saves from Cech. Defoe and M'Vila both went close, and Bleacher Report UK couldn't help itself:

Iwobi scuffed a shot from a promising position, and Aaron Ramsey also failed to hit the target after a corner. 

Defoe tried his luck with an ambitious lob that nearly caught Cech by surprise, but unfortunately for the striker, the ball flew wide of the target. The Black Cats' top scorer was causing all kinds of problems for the Arsenal defence, and Laurent Koscielny only barely blocked a smart pass for Fabio Borini.

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Wenger introduced Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck in an attempt to shake things up, and the substitutions seemed to have an effect, as the visitors started to dominate possession.

Hector Bellerin had a shot blocked, before Mannone almost committed a dreadful error, missing a routine clearance completely. Fortunately for the former Gunner, his defenders ensured Arsenal couldn't take advantage.

Both teams went looking for a winner in the final 10 minutes, and Wenger introduced Wilshere with six minutes to play. Per Bleacher Report UK, it marked his first appearance in quite some time:

Sanchez came close to finally giving his team the lead, but Mannone had no intention of conceding, producing another fine save. Four minutes of additional time didn't provide any more chances, as the two teams shared the spoils.

The result means Arsenal will officially be eliminated from title contention if Leicester City get a draw or better against Swansea City.

Post-Match Reaction

Per the Gunners' official Twitter account, Wenger rued his team's inability to take advantage of Sunderland's "anxiety:"

He also spoke out in defence of Giroud, who has now failed to score in 19 of his last 20 matches, via Squawka Football:

Manchester United sit just five points behind the Gunners with a match in hand, and with a clash between Arsenal and Manchester City still on the schedule, the race for the top four is still wide open.

Arsenal will host Norwich City in their next Premier League match, while Sunderland will visit Stoke City.

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