Black Cats keeper Simon Mignolet was at fault for the opening goal, spilling a high cross from Craig Westcarr.

BBC: Simon Mignolet fails to deal with Craig Westcarr's cross

City's Emmanuel Adebayor later saw a volley well saved by Simon Mignolet.

BBC: Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City

The Dutchman's swept shot goalwards was brilliantly saved point-blank by Simon Mignolet.

BBC: Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool

Arsenal also missed chances as Samir Nasri had his free-kick parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Marouane Chamakh was thwarted by the crossbar and Arshavin shot tamely from 12 yards.

BBC: Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

Veteran striker Lee Hughes hit what proved to be the winner for League One County after Craig Westcarr's cross was fumbled by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who collided with Kieran Richardson under challenge from Hughes, for the opening goal.

BBC: Steve Bruce frustrated by Sunderland players

But it was the closing down by Arsenal that contributed to the first goal, when the bubbly Fabregas took a chance, ran towards Ferdinand and stuck out a hopeful foot before watching his block travel 40 yards over the stranded Simon Mignolet and into the net.

BBC: Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal