AT LONG LAST Sunderland finally demonstrated the qualities they hope will be good enough to open a door into Europe this season.

Championship contenders Arsenal could count themselves fortunate to leave the Stadium of Light with a draw after a stoppage-time scare which led to astonishing scenes of disbelief and outrage, which were not confined to the crowd of 48,029.

It remains to be seen if Leeds referee Mike Riley confines his match report to the six cautions he administered.

But Sunderland could find themselves in hot water with the FA if he files details of the abuse he endured from angry players and at least one member of the home backroom staff after he had dramatically disallowed a Sunderland "winner".

After battling their way back into the game against one of the best teams in the Premiership, producing their best football of the season, Sunderland thought they had come up with the upset of the day when winger Julio Arca headed home in the third and final minute of added time.

The stadium erupted as the home players swamped the little Argentinian amid scenes of unashamed jubilation, which were shared by the ecstatic fans.

But the cries of delight were stifled as it dawned that Mr Riley was signalling a freekick for offside - a decision which television replays showed was totally justified.

But the home players continued their protests, delaying the restart of the game.

They then mobbed Mr Riley on the halfway line when he blew the final whistle to leave the field escorted by a policeman.

But it did not end there and the official became a target for further angry exchanges as he made his way to the tunnel.

It was sad that such a thrilling encounter should end in such angry controversy, though to his credit home manager Peter Reid did not claim that the goal should have been allowed to stand.

He chose instead to praise Mr Riley's handling of a keenly contested affair.

Reid admitted: "As I ran on to the pitch jumping up and down like an idiot I noticed a lineman's flag up and I've got to say I felt a little bit foolish.

"I was shouting for a penalty, shouting for a goal and then sheepishly walked back to the dug-out when I saw the flag. He had his flag up so it was offside.

"I've got no complaints - it got a bit lively out there but the linesman made his decision and you've got to go with it."

Reid was much more concerned about the way his new-look team finally got themselves together and gave as good as they got against one of the best teams in the top flight.

After deciding to field three central defenders - Emerson Thome, Stanislav Varga and Jody Craddock - and play England international Kevin Phillips as a lone striker, Reid watched his side battle back from being a goal down and deservedly claim a share of the spoils.

He said: "I thought we were outstanding and it was our best performance of the season without a doubt.

"I thought our players matched them in every department, our passing was fantastic and hopefully it will kick-start our season.

"They have set themselves standards and now we have got to do that every week.

"Once we got the equaliser I decided we should go for the win. We tried to be positive and it was a really cracking football match."

Reid was happy enough with Mr Riley's peformance. He said: "Referees have got a difficult job and in the end Mr Riley handled it quite well."

Reid picked out the game's two best players - Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira and his England midfielder, Gavin McCann.

McCann was forced to leave the field near the end with concussion after a bone-jarring clash with the Frenchman.

Vieira was immaculate throughout, inspiring his team-mates, and only blotted his copybook by missing a 72nd minute penalty which, would have sent Arsenal back to the top of the Premiership.

Reid said: "If Vieira is not the best midfield player in the world he is certainly one of the best.

"The battle between him and McCann was worth the entry fee alone.

"Our goal was fantastic but for me the highlight of the game was the 50-50 tackle between those two - I would have paid to watch that. That typified the game and both of those players were absolutely outstanding."

Things looked bleak for Sunderland when Nigerian international Kanu, who had earlier hit the crossbar, beat the home offside trap to go through and score in the 40th minute, despite a brave attempt by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen to take the ball off his toes.

Sunderland equalised in the 54th minute with a cracking 20-yarder from midfielder Stefan Schwarz.

England keeper Richard Wright then made a tremendous save from point blank range to keep out a header from Phillips, who toiled tirelessly and enjoyed much better support than he has received of late.

Things did look ominous for Sunderland when Swiss full back Bernt Haas brought down Freddie Ljungberg in the box.

But Vieira blasted his spot-kick over the bar.

It was a tremendous second half, however.

The game ebbed and flowed from goal to goal, with loads of polished, exciting football - and the type of grit and determination from Sunderland which could take them far this season.