Sunderland enjoyed better chances while Arsenal had good ball possession as the two remained goalless at half time in their Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light.

Roy Keane’s men frustrated Arsene Wenger’s men with some firm defending and some quick counter-attacks.

Although the visitors played like the way they are best known for with the fluid passing game, it was the home side that got in the attacks initially.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott almost put his side in deep trouble in the 16th minute. The England international sent a sloppy back pass to Kolo Toure which eventually Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse caught hold off and pulled the trigger, but was denied by keeper Manuel Almunia.

In the next minute, Cisse unleashed an unexpected shot from the left. However Almunia stood tall yet again, coming up with a fingertip save.

In the 20th minute Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas had a go from long range, but his shot was cleanly collected by Black Cats goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Towards the fag end of the first half, Arsenal's Neves Denilson saw his grounder drift just inches wide.

Sunderland team: Gordon, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque, Whitehead, Yorke, Reid, Richardson, Cisse.

Subs: Fulop, Bardsley, Diouf, Murphy, Chopra, Leadbitter, Healy.

Arsenal team: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Van Persie, Adebayor.

Subs: Fabianski, Nasri, Vela, Silvestre, Djourou, Bendtner, Eboue.