Sam Allardyce has leaned back so far in his seat he is almost horizontal but he leaps out of his chair as Jermain Defoe lobs Petr Cech. The ball drops over the keeper, bounces and goes just wide. Big chance.

Image source, Reuters

No. No goal. Instead it is another missed opportunity as Olivier Giroud is unable to bring down Alexis Sanchez's ball into the box. 

A corner drops for Aaron Ramsey on the edge of the area but his effort loops high and wide and is accompanied by a chorus of ironic cheers. Not happening for Arsenal in the final third. (I'm aware I'm setting myself up for a goal in my next entry here...)

Fabio Borini is booked as he clips the back of Alex Iwobi's ankle.

Marissa AFC: When is Wenger going to sub Giroud and Ramsey off? Arsenal have been just as bad as they were in the first half.

Matt Fallon: Another couple of points dropped I reckon. We'll struggle to keep 4th this season. Another year wasted. The long wait continues.

Image source, Reuters

Faddi might be right. A change might be needed for Arsenal because it isn't quite happening in attack for them at the moment. Good persistence by Olivier Giroud to prevent Vito Mannone getting to the ball before clipping a pass across goal to Alex Iwobi. He is unmarked, but makes a mess of his shot, instead effectively crossing back across goal and Sunderland clear.

Faddi S: Bring on Welbeck!

BBC Newcastle
Ex-Sunderland defender Gary Bennett at the Stadium of Light

"What a pass by Kirchhoff out to Jermain Defoe as Sunderland looked to break, and what a terrific double save by Petr Cech.

"I tell you what, Cech is earning his money today isn't he?"  

And another good save by Petr Cech as Wahbi Khazri's low effort skips along the ground and is pushed away by the Arsenal keeper. Sam Allarydce folds his arms a little tighter and mutters something to his assistant. 

Image source, PA

Frustrating for Sunderland as they find Petr Cech in fine fettle. The veteran keeper punches away Jermain Defoe's powerful effort, before getting across quickly to keep out Yann M'Vila's follow up.

Image source, Reuters

A booking for Arsenal as Hector Bellerin goes in strongly on Wahbi Khazri just as the Sunderland midfielder threatened to get away.

Arsenal are straight on the attack as an effortlessly lovely ball by Alexis Sanchez isn't far off putting Olivier Giroud clear but Younes Kaboul times his jump perfectly to nod the ball over the Arsenal striker.

Arsenal get the second half up and running. Will we see a winner in this half?

Talk Sense Man!: Lesson handball from Mike Dean. Rule says it has to be DELIBERATE. All this stuff about “natural position” is meaningless.

Image source, Opta

Arsenal have dominated possession but Sunderland have probably gone closest with Patrick van Aanholt hitting the woodwork with a free-kick.

Blast from the past. "Poooooooom," shout the home fans as he is introduced to the crowd.

Poom also had a brief spell at Arsenal towards the end of his career.

BBC Newcastle
Ex-Sunderland defender Gary Bennett at the Stadium of Light

"It's been an evenly matched game. Arsenal have had chances but so have Sunderland - they hit the post. The home side can do better though - their passing has been poor. Can they keep their work rate up for 90 minutes? That will be a worry.

"Per Mertesacker might not have known too much about the ball striking his hand in the box, but for me he denied a goalscoring opportunity."

Image source, Reuters

DK, Manchester: It can't be a penalty. The past two weeks all we hear is that it has to be deliberate, so how everyone is saying penalty when the ball is smashed one yard away from Mertersaker I will never know.

Patrick van Aanholt's scuffed effort is scooped up by Petr Cech and Mike Dean blows his whistle to bring an end to the half.

One minute of added time and one last chance for a Sunderland attack before the break.