Arsenal's Champions League qualification hopes received another blow on Saturday as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by a battling Sunderland side.

New signing Andrei Arshavin made his debut for the Gunners but was unable to inspire his new side to a victory with Nicklas Bendtner once again proving wasteful up front. With Aston Villa losing to Chelsea earlier in the day, Arsenal were looking to close down the gap in the race for the fourth place to four points.

Arshavin went closest to breaking the deadlock early in the game when his low drive beat keeper Marton Fulop but also managed to miss the target. Fulop made a smart save to deny the Russian minutes later as Arsenal threatened to run away with the game.

Sunderland's first real chance fell to Anton Ferdinand who was played in following a swift counter attacking move but Manuel Almunia was equal to the challenge and managed to save the shot.

Bendtner had a great chance to break the deadlock but his header was palmed away brilliantly by Fulop. Arsenal struggled to create any real chances in the second half with Robin Van Persie going the closest with a free kick that was comfortably saved by Fulop.

Sunderland were happy to let Arsenal dominated the possession late in the game and sat back to deny the Gunners any space to work in the final third of the pitch and were happy to come away from the Emirates Stadium with a point.