Sunderland defeated Arsenal 7-1 at Roker Park in 1953

On September 12, 1953, Sunderland secured a 7-1 victory over Arsenal at Roker Park. Despite Doug Lishman giving the defending league champions an early lead, Sunderland responded with goals from Trevor Ford and Billy Elliott to take a halftime lead. The match remained competitive until the final quarter, when the home side scored five times between the 68th minute and the final whistle. Ford completed a hat-trick, while Tommy Wright contributed two goals, and Len Shackleton added another. The game also followed the controversial transfer of Ray Daniel from Arsenal to Sunderland for a then-record £30,000 fee amid allegations of illegal payments. Although this result was a high point for Bill Murray’s side, the club finished 18th in the league that season.

• 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — OTD (12/9/53): Sunderland thrash reigning champions Arsenal!