After a first half where Arsenal could have been out of sight, they were left to rue a whole host of missed chances as Sunderland equalized two minutes into the second half.
Following a half-cleared corner kick int he 47th minute, Adam Johnson picked up the ball and cut inside the Arsenal box. The Black Cats winger was then scythed down by Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny and referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot.
Gardner slammed home the PK after only being on the pitch for a matter of moments after coming on as a half time sub. The score is locked at 1-1 in the North East.
Watch the second half play live on NBC Sports Live Extra out as Sunderland battle back against Arsenal.