Arsenal struggles to draw with Sunderland

Oct 4, 2008 - 8:47 PM By PA SportsTicker

Arsenal's bid to go atop the Barclays Premier League sunk at Sunderland, but Cesc Fabregas' 93rd-minute header salvaged a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Having been defeated by Hull last week, the Gunners have now dropped five points in two matches - although the result was enough to take them third.

Arsene Wenger's side appeared to have been beaten by Grant Leadbitter's stunning 86th-minute strike.

The midfielder picked the ball up 25 yards out and smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.

Only minutes earlier Craig Gordon had saved at point-blank range from Robin van Persie, who had a goal chalked off just after halftime.

Theo Walcott cut the ball back from the right byline for the Dutchman to stab home but the England winger was ruled to have taken the ball out, although television replays appeared to suggest he had kept it in.

Spain midfielder Fabregas rescued the Gunners with a close-range header from a corner in the third minute of added time.

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere snatched victory for Middlesbrough at Wigan with a goal in the 89th minute.

A game of very few chances appeared to be drifting to a goalless conclusion when Stewart Downing nodded down a right-wing cross on the edge of the penalty area and the Frenchman fired home.

In another contest, Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney scored goals to lead Manchester United to a 2-0 triumph over Blackburn.

Rooney now has three goals in as many contests for the Red Devils.

West Brom's match at home to Fulham was also a game of few chances, but the hosts prevailed 1-0 thanks to Roman Bednar's solitary strike in the 61st minute.

A left-wing corner produced a scramble in the visitors' penalty area and when the ball reached Bednar he stabbed home from three yards.

He had a chance to double the advantage seven minutes later but he was hustled out by Aaron Hughes as he closed in on goal.

Clint Dempsey had a good chance to equalize in the 70th minute when Jimmy Bullard picked him out unmarked but he diverted his header wide from 12 yards.