Arsenal Player Ratings Vs. Sunderland in 1-1 Draw

Arsenal's impressive run of four consecutive wins came to an end yesterday after Sunderland's Darren Bent grabbed a last gasp equalizer in the dying seconds to end a thrilling encounter with a 1-1 scoreline at the Stadium of Light.

In what was a hugely exciting encounter, both teams boasted a number of chances but failed to capitalize. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and the fans will look back on the encounter with feelings of contentment, frustration, and anger after a number of events hampered Arsenal's progress.

Seventeen minutes after captain Cesc Fabregas gave Arsenal the lead through one of the flukiest goals in world football history, the Spaniard gave the Arsenal community a horrifying image when he departed the field with a hamstring injury.

No longer blessed with their fearless leader, the Gunners lost their attacking tempo and just over 10 minutes after the main break, Alex Song picked up a second yellow after a dubious decision by referee Phil Dawed which saw Arsenal down to 10 men.

Wenger's men remained strong, adapting to the physicality shown by Steve Bruce's men as well as making sure Sunderland didn't gain an advantage with the extra man. However Arsenal were given a chance to secure the three points when Samir Nasri was brought down in the goal area for a penalty in the 70th minute. However Fabregas's replacement Tomas Rosicky failed to convert, skying his effort well over the bar.

Sunderland then materialized one final counter in the dying stages. After a scramble in the box and Arsenal's inability to clear, Sunderland striker Darren Bent managed to fire home from close range to give the Black Cats a somewhat deserved point.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia 6.5: Another assuring performance. No glaring errors and lifted once Song had been dismissed. Promising signs.

Bacary Sagna 6: Solid but was given problems on occasion by Danny Welbeck. He did work hard to contain the English forward. Not as active on attack either.

Laurent Koscienly 8: A strong performance and covered well especially when Sunderland boasted the extra man. Kept the air tidy too.

Sebastien Squillaci 8: Likewise to his defensive partner, the Frenchman was also impressive dealing with the physical Sunderland attack well and dominating both ground and air. 

Gael Clichy 5: Solid for the majority of the encounter, but was caught out at times. The lacklustre clearance at the death ultimately cost the Gunners two more points. 

Alex Song 5.5: A somewhat silly challenge that saw him given an early shower, but it was debatable if a card was necessary. When Song was on the pitch, he played with vigour and looked strong.

Jack Wilshere 6: Worked tirelessly but to no reward. The experience will benefit the teen sensation greatly.

Cesc Fabregas N/A: Scored an absolute stunner with his back turned before limping off. 

Samir Nasir 6.5: Too anonymous in the opening exchange but took on Fabregas's role greatly and looked very threatening in the second half as well as providing Arsenal with a penalty. 

Andrei Arshavin 5: Poor, lazy, wasteful, and a liability. Rightly substituted.

Marouane Chamakh 7: A strong outing from the lanky Moroccan. Provided Wenger with a much needed presence upfront with dominating aerial and control play. Lacked that final touch on occasion though. 

Substitutes

Tomas Rosicky 5.5: Why the Czech took the penalty remains a mystery, but he was threatening at times in his cameo.

Denilson 6: Substituted on for Song's role and made a number of crucial interceptions. Was wasteful on occasion too however.