The Black Cats could consider themselves lucky as Andrey Arshavin was denied the chance to take the lead twice in the second half. Referee Anthony Taylor was perhaps wrong not to give the Russian a penalty after stand in captain Titus Bramble brought him down.
The Gunners dominated the end of the second half, and found the back of the net when Arshavin took on Simon Mignolet, but his strike was ruled out by the assistant referee.
Young Belgian keeper Mignolet picked up the man of the match for a series of tremendous saves.
Steve Bruce will be delighted with his sides performance, and will be boosted by the return of Danny Welbeck. The on loan Manchester United striker made his first appearance since January when he came off the bench and impressed with a couple of good chances.
Stephane Sessegnon and Asamoah Gyan also put in good performances up front, while Anton Ferdinand and John Mensah looked solid at the back.
Sunderland now have another two week break due to the FA cup next weekend, but the lads will play host to Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool at the Stadium Of Light in a fortnights time.
