Arsenal held to 0-0 draw by Sunderland

By Rob Harris

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Aug. 18 2012 10:50 a.m. MDT

Arsenal's Abou Diaby, left, competes for the ball with Sunderland's Jack Colback during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium in London, Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012.

Kirsty Wigglesworth, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

Arsenal lacked cutting edge up front in the first game since Robin van Persie's exit, drawing 0-0 with Sunderland on Saturday despite dominating its opening match of the Premier League season.

LONDON — Arsenal lacked cutting edge up front in the first game since Robin van Persie's exit, drawing 0-0 with Sunderland on Saturday despite dominating its opening match of the Premier League season.

Some jeers rang out around Emirates Stadium after the final whistle, a day after Van Persie completed his move to rival Manchester United.

Strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, who were signed ahead of the former captain's defection, squandered their few chances.

Giroud missed from close range in the last 10 minutes after replacing Podolski midway through the second half.

Despite Arsenal overwhelming Sunderland, Podolski struggled for service up front as another new signing, midfielder Santi Cazorla, was more of a danger in front of goal.

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