Arsenal maintained their spot at the top of the table with a determined performance in the 3-2 victory over Sunderland in their Premiership clash on Sunday.

Goals from Robin Van Persie and Philippe Senderos had given a comfortable 2-0 lead for Arsenal as they once again looked set to run riot over a newly promoted side. However first Ross Wallace and then Kenwyne Jones brought Sunderland level early in the second half before Van Persie grabbed the winner 10 minutes from time.

The Gunners had taken an early lead in the 7th minute when Van Persie smashed a brilliant free kick from the edge of the area that went in off the underside of the crossbar. Seven minutes later Philippe Senderos made it 2-0 for Arsenal, taking advantage of Sunderland's defensive hesitancy to slam home from close range.

It looked like another of Arsenal's thumping victories this season when Abou Diaby put the ball in the net for the third time for Arsenal in the 20th minute but the effort was ruled out as offside, even though it was Flamini and not Diaby who was in the offside position.

Sunderland took full advantage of the disallowed goal by pulling one back in the 25th minute when Almunia managed to prevent Jones' attempt, but the ball fell straight into the path of Wallace and the striker made no mistake to bag one for his team.

The visitors completed an amazing comeback two minutes into the second half when Jones rose high to meet Liam Miller's cross to head home from close range. Arsenal were getting frustrated with the lack of goals as Kolo Toure saw his attempt smash against the crossbar.

The hosts finally took the lead in the 80th minute when some great work by Theo Walcott found Van Persie in front of the goal and the Dutch striker bagged his second of the night to grab all three points for Arsenal.