Kieran Richardson believes Sunderland's midfield battle with Arsenal was key to their victory yesterday.

Arsenal were the latest victims at the Stadium of Light as Darren Bent's close-range goal in the second half proved enough to end Arsenal's 13-game unbeaten run.

Speaking to SAFC TV, Richardson said: "It was a real battle out there; Arsenal are a tremendous side and it was a hard test for us. Everyone gave 100% and that earned us the result we wanted - and the three points.

"The five-man midfield worked well for us. The gaffer told us to match them up man for man and we kept Arsenal at bay despite the quality they have. All the lads put a shift in and they did Sunderland proud today.

"It was nice to be involved after I missed the win over Liverpool. They did brilliantly then and I had to sit and watch, and any player always wants to be involved in results like the one we've got here."