Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was pleased his players produced the required standard in testing circumstances as they held Arsenal to a goalless draw.
The Black Cats, who avoided what would have been a fifth straight league defeat, could have snatched a late goal through substitute Danny Welbeck, but Wojciech Szczesny - whose last-minute blunder at Wembley cost Arsenal the chance of Carling Cup glory - made a fine save at full stretch.
"We needed a response after last week when we were shocking," he said. "We have been hit by injuries, but the response was terrific in the first half especially.
"There were a few hairy moments in the second half, but overall I think we deserved something from it.
"If you come here you need your defenders and goalkeeper to play well, and that is what they have done."
Source: PA