An own goal from Olivier Giroud cancelled out Joel Campbell's opener to ensure that Arsenal and Sunderland went in level at the break this afternoon.
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The visitors made a lively start to the match, as Duncan Watmore released Fabio Borini with a precise through-ball, only for the Italian forward to be denied by Arsenal keeper Petr Cech.
Arsenal were in complete control of possession, but their opponents continued to look the more threatening side as Steven Fletcher flicked the ball towards Watmore from a free kick, only for the 21-year-old to head over the bar.
Sunderland were presented with a good opportunity to break the deadlock after the half-hour mark, as Younes Kaboul picked out Borini with a cross, only for the former Liverpool man to head wide.
The hosts made their opponents pay for their profligacy with their first shot on target, as Mesut Ozil released Campbell with an accurate through-ball before the Costa Rica international placed a finish beyond the reach of Sunderland keeper Costel Pantilimon.
The visitors found an equaliser in the 45th minute, as Giroud connected with a Black Cats free kick to turn the ball into his own net.
The Gunners almost restored their advantage on the stroke of half time, when Nacho Monreal picked out Aaron Ramsey with an inviting cross, only for the Welsh midfielder to drag his effort wide.
Stephen Topping
