Bent 71

A close-range finish from former Tottenham striker Darren Bent consigned an increasingly injury-hit Arsenal side to defeat against Steve Bruce’s increasingly impressive Sunderland side.

Bent’s slightly fortuitous winner was enough to maintain the Black Cats fine record against top four sides this season, as it followed on from a draw at Old Trafford and Liverpool’s infamous “beach ball” defeat at the Stadium of Light.

And it was the first time this season that Arsene Wenger’s men had failed to find the scoresheet, in their first match since Dutch striker Robin Van Persie damaged ankle ligaments while on international duty.

The England frontman’s misplaced header from a corner ricocheted off an unsuspecting Fraizer Campbell at the far post and back at his feet, six yards from goal, from where he finished into the roof of the net.

Chances were at a premium in a tight affair. Sunderland keeper Martin Fulop, making his first start in place of the long-term injured Craig Gordon, did well to block a crisply struck shot by Tomas Rosicky on five minutes.

Cesc Fabregas fizzed a long-range effort over Fulop’s crossbar seven minutes later and Eduardo da Silva shot wide after he’d combined well with Alexandre Song to set up the chance.

However, the hosts’ Steed Malbranque fired two similar right-foot shots over the bar, the second a better chance than he seemed to realise.

The increasingly-influential Andy Reid fired a long-range free-kick inches wide of Manuel Almunia’s goal, although the Spanish net-minder appeared to have the shot covered.

And it was a Reid corner from the left which set up Ben for what eventually proved to be the winner.

The Gunners naturally pressed hard for an equaliser and should have had a penalty when substitute Carlos Vela was upended in the box by Campbell.

But their penalty appeals lacked the required enthusiasm, which rather summed up their afternoon.