Keane - We were outstanding

Black Cats boss delighted to claim draw against Arsenal

By James Dall   Last updated: 4th October 2008

Keane - We were outstanding

Keane: Praise for players

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Sunderland manager Roy Keane hailed the 'outstanding' display of his players after they claimed a 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Keane's side defended resolutely versus the Gunners and took a shock lead in the final moments when Grant Leadbitter came off the bench to hit a screamer past shot-stopper Manuel Almunia.

But Arsenal equalised in the dying seconds of stoppage time when Cesc Fabregas headed home from Robin van Persie's corner kick.

Keane was pleased with the commitment of his players and, despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger claiming they sat back for the draw, he felt his side got the balance between attack and defence just right.

Disciplined

He told Sky Sports: "I am pleased with the performance. I suppose if you had asked me this morning whether I would have taken a point against Arsenal, I probably would have.

"I thought we were outstanding. It was a case of being disciplined. We broke quite well. I thought a draw was probably a fair result.

"I was tempted to play 4-4-2, but you have to be careful. And when we had the ball we did well. We had the balance just about right.

"Obviously they scored so late, but credit to Arsenal for taking their late opportunity."

Of Leadbitter, Keane added: "Grant's a top professional, and he has had a difficult time, but we saw what he can do today. He took his opportunity and I am delighted."