Arsenal's last hope of silverware disappeared without a trace after an abject FA Cup defeat on Wearside.
The Gunners were aiming to get their season back on track following a dismal showing in Europe but found a rejuvenated Sunderland in their way. Sunderland scored in either half to dump Arsenal out of the cup and heap further pressure on Arsene Wenger after seven trophyless years.
Defensive vulnerably and individual errors have plagued Arsenal's season and they were evident again at the Stadium of Light. Those placing FA Cup free bets will have been shocked.
Sloppy play by Johan Djourou gifted Sunderland an opportunity on the right and Kieran Richardson scored from the resulting free-kick to give the home side the lead going into the break.
Sunderland played with high energy and intensity throughout and Sebastian Larsson was rewarded for a lung-bursting run when his shot hit the post and rebounded in off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The own goal capped off a miserable week for Wenger and his men. Anyone looking at promotions FA Cup should remember this.
Wenger isn't the only manager feeling the heat in London. Andre Villas-Boas could only watch on as his Chelsea side were held at home by in-form Birmingham City.
David Murphy gave the visitors a deserved lead, before Juan Mata missed a golden opportunity from the spot almost immediately. Daniel Sturridge did equalise just after the hour mark, but it wasn't enough to appease the home crowd as their side stumbled to a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea face a replay at St Andrew's on March 6 as they struggle to keep their season alive. Barring a dramatic upturn in form against Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday, the FA Cup is Villa-Boas' sole hope of glory in a disappointing first season in charge.
A difficult season is turning into a nightmare season for Arsenal and Chelsea.
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