Bent strikes and unbeaten run is over for Arsenal

Clive Hetherington at the Stadium of Light

• Last Updated: November 21. 2009 10:15PM UAE / November 21. 2009 6:15PM GMT

Sunderland 1 // Arsenal 0

SUNDERLAND // Steve Bruce was once famously grateful for Arsene Wenger’s generosity ... but Bruce’s Sunderland didn’t need any favours in halting Arsenal’s 13-match unbeaten League and Cup run yesterday through Darren Bent’s 71st-minute strike.

More than 10 years ago, Arsenal manager Wenger’s sporting gesture prompted the FA to order a rematch when Bruce’s Sheffield United were hard done by in the extreme.

On that occasion, an FA Cup fifth-round tie was won by the Gunners with a highly contentious goal when they failed to return possession from a throw-in after a Sheffield player had been injured.

Arsenal were victorious in a unique rematch on that occasion, but it was Bruce’s turn to savour a memorable triumph yesterday when Bent met Andy Reid’s left-wing corner with a knock down and the ball ricocheted off substitute Fraizer Campbell before Bent forced it in from close range.

Arsenal had to play without ankle-injury victim Robin van Persie, who has been undergoing the unconventional – but suddenly popular – horse placenta treatment, as well as Nicklas Bendtner among a clutch of injuries.

Sunderland were without key men themselves, notably goalkeeper Craig Gordon and midfielder Lee Cattermole through long-term injuries, and defender Michael Turner and striker Kenwyne Jones through suspension.

Bent’s winning goal was a welcome return to scoring form. He failed from the penalty spot on his losing return to his former club Spurs last time out in the Premier League, and his Sunderland side haven’t had much luck since the good fortune of his “beach ball’’ winner here against Liverpool over a month ago.

Bent was deployed as a long striker this time as Bruce opted for a five-man midfield in an effort to stifle Arsenal’s renowned creativity.

But that feature of their game was soon in evidence and Marton Fulop, deputising for Gordon, who suffered a broken arm at Tottenham, had to spring into action to deny Tomas Rosicky with a fine save in the fifth minute.

As Arsenal dominated early possession in characteristic fashion, captain Cesc Fabregas conjured up a rising 12th-minute drive that was a shade too high to cause Fulop any major concern.

When Sunderland mustered a response on the quarter-hour mark, it was Steed Malbranque who sent a dipping shot over the near angle. Malbranque blazed high into the crowd soon afterwards after Bent had failed to get on the end of Andy Reid’s left-wing cross.

Sunderland were taken by surprise on 32 minutes when Alex Song surged through the middle from midfield before finding Eduardo, who scooped the ball past Fulop. Then, as it ran wide, Song made a vain attempt to turn it in at the post.

With the home crowd behind them, Sunderland made a bright start to the second half. Reid threatened twice, first with a raking free-kick from long range and then with a less impressive effort that sailed over Manuel Almunia’s goal, before Bent’s fortuitous winner.

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