Sunderland produced a gutsy rearguard action to preserve their Premier League status with a tense 0-0 draw against Arsenal on Wednesday.

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Dick Advocaat’s side knew a point at the Emirates Stadium would be enough to guarantee their survival and they achieved that goal with an obdurate defensive display that kept Arsenal at bay despite a barrage of pressure from the hosts.

Superbly marshalled by holding midfielder Lee Cattermole and central defenders Sebastian Coates and John O’Shea, Sunderland still needed a fine performance from goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon to emerge unscathed.

The Black Cats, now four points clear of third bottom Hull, can now start planning for next season instead of nervously facing a decisive trip to champions Chelsea in Sunday’s final round of fixtures.

Despite failing to win for the fourth time in their last five matches, Arsenal have likely done enough to secure a third place finish and automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage.

Wenger’s side almost conjured a breathtaking opener when Wilshere floated a delicate chipped pass to Olivier Giroud, who waited for the ball to drop over his shoulder before volleying narrowly past the far post.

 

Jack Rodwell and Steven Fletcher came on for Sunderland at the interval and Advocaat’s changes almost paid immediate dividends.

Adam Johnson slipped in Fletcher down the right channel and the Sunderland striker’s snap-shot drew a good save from David Ospina.

After a complete lack of activity in the first half, Arsenal goalkeeper Ospina was suddenly in the thick of the action and he had to save with his feet after van Aanholt found space for a low drive.

Wenger’s side responded strongly as Giroud met Hector Bellerin’s cross with a flicked effort that Pantilimon clawed away before Kieran Gibbs’ looping header drew another acrobatic stop from the Sunderland keeper.

Fletcher almost caught Arsenal off guard when he latched onto Jermain Defoe’s pass and sprinted clear, however the Scot couldn’t get enough height on his chip and Ospina was able to save.

Theo Walcott came on for his 300th Arsenal appearance midway through the half, but his arrival was overshadowed by Fletcher wasting a glorious chance to put the visitors ahead when he sliced van Aanholt’s cross over from close-range with only Ospina to beat.

Sunderland were straining every sinew to keep Arsenal at bay, with one brilliant block from Coates denying Sanchez, yet Billy Jones almost undermined their efforts when the defender deflected Ramsey’s cross onto his own woodwork.

In a nervous finale, substitute Tomas Rosicky dragged his shot wide and Pantilimon made a fine stop to deny Walcott’s powerful strike before Sunderland’s ecstatic players and fans could finally celebrate.