Theo Walcott was the visitors’ outstanding performer and it was no surprise his famed pace proved too much for a labouring defence after 24 minutes. Gilberto conjured the chance with a slide-rule pass and Walcott did not need to break stride as he drew Marton Fulop and slotted his seventh goal of the season.

Sunderland’s leading scorer Kenwyne Jones was forced off on the stroke of half-time with a fractured wrist and boss Roy Keane said: “He’ll be sidelined for six weeks. It’s disappointing but it happened at a good time for us. He’ll be back for pre-season.”

SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1): Fulop 6; Whitehead 5, Nosworthy 6, Evans 7, Collins 5; Yorke 6 (Chopra 75, 5); Edwards 4 (Miller 71, 5), Reid 5, Leadbitter 7, Wallace 7; Jones 4 (O’Donovan 46, 4). Booked: Collins.

ARSENAL (4-4-2): Fabianski 6, Djourou 6, Song 7, Senderos 7, Clichy 7; Eboue 6 (Randall 80, 6), Denilson 8, Gilberto 8, Walcott 8; Adebayor 7, Bendtner 7 (Traore 80, 5). Booked: Clichy. Goal: Walcott 24.

Referee: K Stroud (Dorset).