Sunderland produced a determined display against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium to claim a goalless which ensures their Premier League safety for another season.
As expected, the home side saw plenty of the ball in the opening stages as their opponents happily sat back and soaked up pressure, but Arsene Wenger’s men had to be patient to create their first chance on Wednesday.
That came with 15 minutes on the clock when the returning Jack Wilshere, who was in the side for his first start since November, raced on to Alexis Sanchez’s pass and charged into the box, only for Costel Pantilimon to pounce on a loose touch and collect the ball.
Arsenal began to increase the speed of their attacking moves as the first half wore on, with Aaron Ramsey picking out Wilshere once more on the edge of the box, but the Englishman’s shot ended high into the Emirates Stadium stands.
Pantilimon was called into action soon after, this time keeping out Sanchez’s low drive, which was again fired in from range as Sunderland continued to restrict the Gunners, while Adam Johnson’s strike deep into the opening 45 minutes sent out a warning message to Arsenal.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, it was Sunderland who came out of the blocks the quicker of the two sides following the restart, with Steven Fletcher forcing David Ospina into making a save, before the Gunners stopper composed himself to keep out full-back Patrick van Aanholt.
It appeared that Dick Advocaat and his men had their lucky stars to thank when Coates failed to truly clear Ramsey’s cross, which struck Billy Jones and came back off the post with his keeper well and truly beaten.
Another Gunners substitute in Tomas Rosicky also caused danger when being introduced in the final 10 minutes, while Walcott and Ramsey were twice denied by a stubborn and determined Pantilimon late on to ensure that Sunderland’s top-flight status is confirmed for another season.
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