The Black Cats were defeated by Chelsea, Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in their previous four games.

Wing-back Elmo was kept on the bench although he was included in the starting line-up against Everton last month.

The Egypt ace replaced Asamoah Gyan 12 minutes from time as Steve Bruce wanted to beef up his backline near the end.

Sunderland drew with big guns Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United earlier this season.

The Gunners are now three points behind leaders United who are on 60 points. Sunderland lie eighth with 38.