The Wearsiders were full value for their point, but it could easily have been all three had they been able to hold on in time added on.

Sunderland had done well to contain Arsenal in an opening 45 minutes in which there were few chances.

The game opened up more in the second half and there were goalscoring opportunities for both sides before substitute Grant Leadbitter struck with a delightful rising shot from 25 yards out in the 85th minute.

Leadbitter had just replaced Dwight Yorke, who had been outstanding in subduing Arsenal as he patrolled in front of the back four.

And it looked as though it was enough to give Sunderland their first victory under Roy Keane over a top-four side.

But, in a surprisingly long amount of time added on at full-time, Arsenal got out of jail when Robin Van Persie put in a corner from the right and Fabregas took advantage of a Craig Gordon slip to level matters.

* Full report and more pictures in tonight's Football Echo