Olivier Giroud's first goals of the season handed Arsenal victory and Sunderland a share of an unwanted Premier League record.

Adam Johnson's hat-trick spearheaded Sunderland's third win in six days, a ruthless 4-1 Barclays Premier League victory at Fulham today.

Sunderland have appealed Stephane Sessegnon’s red card against Aston Villa and his case will be heard by an independent regulatory commission tomorrow, the Football Association has announced.

Paolo Di Canio will today begin the task of trying to keep Sunderland in the Premier League following his appointment as head coach late last night.

Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea is confident a consistent run of games will help Sunderland's flair players rediscover their form and spark a push up the Premier League table.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill today confirmed the signing of "underrated" striker Steven Fletcher from Wolves but remained cagey on two other potential targets.

John Egan is taking inspiration from club-mate James McClean as he makes his way in international football.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has promised James McClean he has an international future despite missing out on a first senior call-up today.

FT: Sunderland 2 Swansea 0

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will be without defender Phil Bardsley through suspension for tomorrow night’s Carling Cup second-round trip to Brighton.

Sunderland expect defender John O'Shea to miss this Saturday's Premier League opener against Liverpool.

Sunderland 2 Chelsea 4

Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1

STEVE BRUCE last night revealed just how close he came to leaving match-winner Jordan Henderson out of the Sunderland side, which maintained its quest for a top 10 finish with another win.

Sunderland will begin a lengthy spell without defenders Titus Bramble and Michael Turner at Wolves tomorrow.

Roy Keane warned his Sunderland team they are not good enough to win just by turning up after seeing them only just avoid Carling Cup humiliation last night.

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones returned to the starting line-up as his club went in search of their first back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories in 126 games.

Derby goalkeeper Roy Carroll has revealed he always believed former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane had all the credentials to make it as a manager.

Andy Reid could make a first start for Sunderland away to Portsmouth at Fratton Park this afternoon.

Sunderland defender Stanislav Varga appears to have played his last game for the club after Burnley extended his loan.

Injuries have forced Sunderland defender Paul McShane and Wolves strike Stephen Elliot to withdraw from the Irish squad to face Denmark in a friendly tie on Wednesday evening.

Cork City 1 Sunderland 1

Roy Keane is convinced happiness is behind Sunderland's promotion push.

Jonathan Greening has admitted West Brom need to start picking up points against their fellow Premiership strugglers to bolster their chances of staying in the top flight.

Kevin Phillips is poised to make an immediate return to the Premiership with a move to Aston Villa.

PORTSMOUTH have signed winger Laurent Robert for an undisclosed fee from Newcastle.

DARREN BYFIELD further endeared himself to the Sunderland fans with the goal which earned his side a 2-1 win over Gillingham last night.

MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson has hit out at the agents he claims disrupted Steve McClaren’s summer rebuilding work after claiming that they were asked for £700,000 just to speak to Sean Davis.

LIVERPOOL have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Leeds United’s Australian striker Harry Kewell.

It was a dramatic night in the FA Cup third round replays - two went to extra-time, with Sunderland powering to a 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace.