September 19.
Arsenal traveled to the Stadium of Light to face the Black Cats, Sunderland.
Because of his agreement with Wenger before the Champions League match, Li Yufei was back on the bench for this game.
They had expected to cruise to three points, but instead Arsenal were dealt a stunning blow.
The 13th minute.
Fabregas played a one-two with Arshavin, then fired a shot from the edge of the box and scored. Arsenal took a 1–0 lead.
Arsenal fans had thought that getting an early goal meant the game was in the bag.
But what happened over the next few dozen minutes left every Arsenal fan fuming.
The 23rd minute.
Wilshere fouled future Liverpool captain Henderson with a flying tackle and was shown a yellow card.
Then, in the 29th minute,
Fabregas strained his thigh in a challenge, forcing Wenger to make a substitution.
The 38th minute.
Alex Song was shown a yellow card for pushing an opponent while contesting an aerial ball.
The 55th minute of the second half.
Alex Song brought down Welbeck as he tried to get past him. He was shown a second yellow card, then sent off by the referee.
Arsenal were suddenly down to ten men against eleven.
And that wasn't the end of it.
The 74th minute.
Sunderland defender Richardson handled the ball in the box, and Arsenal were awarded a penalty.
But Rosicky, who had come on for Fabregas, struck his side-footed shot against the post, missing the chance to extend Arsenal's lead.
In the end, Arsenal paid for that missed penalty.
The 90th minute, just as regular time ended.
Sunderland striker Darren Bent pounced on a misplaced pass from Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia and scored, snatching a late equalizer!
Sunderland held Arsenal to a 1–1 draw at home.
Li Yufei watched