Arsenal vs Sunderland - LIVE! Latest score and updates as Joel Campbell goal levels score after Jeremain Lens opener

Follow all the latest from today's FA Cup third round tie at the Emirates Stadium

Jeremain Lens takes the ball past Hector Bellerin (Getty Images)

Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Arsenal vs Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.

Arsene Wenger's side are hoping to lift the trophy for the third consecutive year and begin this season's defence at home against a fellow Premier League side.

Sunderland have somehwat solidified under since Sam Allardyce took over at the helm but they are a long way from league safety yet.

The former Bolton Wanderers manager may see cup football as a distraction, especially with such a testing third round opponent, but the Black Cats have held Arsenal to four goalless draws away from home since 2008/09.

Match facts

• The last time these two sides met in the FA Cup, Sunderland eliminated Arsenal in February 2012, courtesy of a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
• Arsenal have not lost an FA Cup tie in 12 games, since Blackburn beat them 1-0 in February 2013 at the Emirates in the Fifth Round.
• No manager has won the FA Cup more times than Arsene Wenger (6). His first game in the competition was against Sunderland in the Third Round in 1997.
• Arsenal have not failed to progress from the Third Round in nearly 20 years, since losing a replay to Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane in January 1996 (W18 D5).

Kick-off: 3.00pm

Follow all the action on our live blog below...

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.