Arsenal held to 0-0 draw by Sunderland

London: Arsenal lacked cutting edge up front in the first game since Robin van Persie's exit, drawing 0-0 with Sunderland on Saturday despite dominating its opening match of the Premier League season.

Some jeers rang out around Emirates Stadium after the final whistle, a day after Van Persie completed his move to rival Manchester United.

Strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, who were signed ahead of the former captain's defection, squandered their few chances.

Giroud missed from close range in the last 10 minutes after replacing Podolski midway through the second half.

Despite Arsenal overwhelming Sunderland, Podolski struggled for service up front as another new signing, midfielder Santi Cazorla, was more of a danger in front of goal.