Sunderland's most famous moment came in the 1979 FA Cup final. During the game Arsenal had gone 2–0 up against Manchester United, with goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton, and looked set for victory with only five minutes remaining. However, United scored twice in three minutes, with goals from Gordon McQueen and Sammy McIlroy, and extra time loomed. In the very last minute of the match, however, Arsenal pushed forward in a desperate counter-attack. Liam Brady fed Graham Rix on the left wing, and his cross was converted by Sunderland at the far post to make the score 3–2, and win Arsenal the cup.[14]
Sunderland stayed at Arsenal for another five years, forming an impressive partnership with Frank Stapleton for two seasons.[15] He was the club's top scorer in 1979–80 together with 1981–82, and featured in the Arsenal sides that lost the 1980 FA Cup[16] and Cup Winners' Cup finals.[17]
However, after a spate of injuries and the arrivals of Tony Woodcock and Charlie Nicholas, he thus found himself out of the first team. Sunderland eventually left Arsenal after netting 92 goals from 281 appearances for the Gunners.[18] He went on then joining Ipswich Town on loan in February 1984. He helped them to avoid relegation from the First Division, and made the move permanent later in the summer.[19] He played for Ipswich until 1986, then had a brief stint at Irish club Derry City,[20] before retiring.[citation needed]
Personal life
Following retirement, he opened a pub in Ipswich. He eventually emigrated to Malta[21] where he coached Birkirkara F.C. based within the town of Birkirkara.[22]
International career
Sunderland won a single England cap which came in a 2–1 friendly win over Australia in Sydney on 31 May 1980,[1] and also represented his country at under-21 (as an over-age player),[23]under-23[24] and 'B' team level.[25]
^"Stapleton's Arsenal years". Manchester United F.C. 15 September 2006. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2009. Initially I had Malcolm MacDonald as my strike partner, but later it was Alan Sunderland, who I formed a great partnership with. With him it just worked.
^Fox, Norman (12 May 1980). "West Ham's vision of glory carries the day". The Times. p. 10.
^White, Clive (15 May 1980). "Valencia beat Arsenal on penalties". The Times. p. 12.