OTD: SAFC 1-0 ARSENAL 2009

On this day in 2009, Sunderland defeated Arsenal thanks to a Darren Bent goal. The Lads became the first side to keep a clean sheet against the Gunners in the 2009/10 season.

Despite Arsenal dominating possession, they were wasteful in front of goal without Robin Van Persie up top. Sunderland produced a fantastic defensive display, with Lorik Cana in particular impressing from midfield.

The Gunners were made to pay after 71 minutes as Bent ended the Gunners’ 14-game unbeaten run. Andy Reid's corner came in, Fraizer Campbell blocked Bent's initial header but the lethal striker was quick to react and found the net with the rebound.

Unusually blunt up top, the late Marton Fulop was forced into just one save in the whole game- a tame effort from Tomas Rosicky.

Michael Turner missed the game due to suspension, meaning John Mensah and Paulo da Silva started together in defence for the first time. Mensah started slowly, struggling to keep out the Arsenal attack. However, his partner Da Silva more than made up for it with a number of crucial tackles.

In the engine room, a young Jordan Henderson made Cesc Fabregas look decidedly average, who was a key part of Spain’s Euro 2008 win and would go on to win the 2010 World Cup!

For the first time in 12 league meetings between the sides, Sunderland took all three points. This remains our most recent league victory against Arsenal, although we did beat them three years later in the FA Cup.