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


Arsenal-s Aaron Ramsey, top right, attempts to score a rebound off a Theo Walcott shot beside Sunderland-s Sebastian Coates, left, and goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, bottom right, during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in London. Pic/AFP 

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 start planning for next season instead of nervously facing a decisive trip to champions Chelsea in Sunday-s final round of fixtures.