LEEDS referee Mike Riley had to have a police escort from the field after disallowing a stoppage-time goal which would have given Sunderland a last-gasp victory over championship contenders Arsenal.

Peter Reid's men appeared to have grabbed the points when Argentinian winger Julio Arca headed home two minutes into injury time - but Mr Riley ruled the goal offside with the score at 1-1.

Arsenal should have gone back to the top of the Premiership but missed a penalty when their skipper, Patrick Vieira blasted a penalty kick over the bar in the 72nd minute.

Earlier Kanu had put Arsenal ahead in the 40th minute of a hard-fought game but Sunderland equalised through midfielder Stefan Schwarz after 54 minutes.

New-look Sunderland, who played with five men in defence, played their best football of the season against a classy Arsenal side.

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