Stuart Vose

Sunderland's second string kicked off 2012 in fine fashion as Craig Gordon and Michael Turner returned to action in a super win at Arsenal.

A strong Gunners side were taken to task in the first half by Keith Bertschin's men, who notched twice in six minutes to establish a stranglehold they would never relinquish.

Ryan Noble's 13th goal of the season gave the visitors an 18th-minute lead before former Chelsea midfielder Billy Knott added his second strike of the campaign.

And senior chief Martin O'Neill will be delighted to have seen goalkeeper Gordon complete his first 90 minutes in almost a year - coming away with a clean sheet to boot.

Meanwhile defender Turner played 70 minutes and took another step on the road back to first-team duty.

Arsenal's reserve-team boss Neil Banfield named first-teamers Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ju Young Park in a strong side, but Sunderland tore into their opponents from the off.

Not even a minute had elapsed when Noble ripped a shot into the side-netting, while Oumare Tounkara was denied one-on-one by Arsenal keeper Damian Martinez.

But Sunderland were not to be denied and they surged ahead when Tounkara nodded Louis Laing's long free-kick down for Noble to slot home.

The striker has been in irresistable form for the second string so far this season, reaching a baker's dozen in just eight games.

And it was two on 23 minutes as Knott showed real class to burst into the box and leave Martinez stranded with a delightful lob.

The returning Gordon did well to deny Park as half time loomed, while the Korean then did well to get himself into a decent position only to blaze over.

Arsenal improved in the second half but could only threaten infrequently, with Craig Eastwood volleying wide before Oxlade-Chamberlain came close with 30-yard free kick.

But in the end Sunderland held out comfortably to make it three wins and draw from four games in all competitions.

Sunderland: Gordon, Laing, Liddle, Reed, Turner (Marrs, 70), Egan (C), Lynch, Knott, Tounkara (L Noble, 70), Cook, Ryan Noble (Deacon, 77).

Subs Not Used: Wilson, Elliott.