Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland: Missed Chances Prove Costly For Cats

Arsenal beat a spirited Sunderland side at the Emirates thanks to goals from Campbell, Giroud and Ramsey after the Black Cats had levelled before the break.

Sunderland started confidently and they had a golden chance to take the lead after only four minutes through Fabio Borini. Good hold up play from Fletcher allowed Watmore to set Borini free on goal but the striker struck straight at Cech.

Moments later Watmore caused more problems down the Arsenal right side. He got to the bye line and played the ball across the six yard box where Flamini could only deflect the ball towards goal forcing Cech into an excellent save.

Sunderland were punished for their earlier miss when Arsenal broke the deadlock on 34 minutes. Ozil slipped the ball in behind Yedlin playing Campbell through on goal, allowing the Costa Rican to finish well into the far corner.

Sunderland got a deserved equaliser on the stroke of half time after Giroud put through his own net. Watmore won the free kick on the right touchline and M’Vila’s dangerous delivery was deflected past Cech by his own man.

Arsenal nearly re –took the lead straight from kick off after Monreal got the better of Borini down the left but his cut back was fired into the side netting by Ramsey.

Sunderland made a good start to the second half with Fletcher testing Cech from distance on 56 minutes forcing a corner. From the resulting corner Toivonen won the near post flick on and Fletcher’s sliding effort at the back post was kept out well by Cech.

Similarly to the first half, just as Sunderland looked comfortable, Arsenal struck to retake the lead. Ramsey’s cross was met by Giroud who powered his header past Pantilimon.

Sunderland were still right in the game and Watmore had a great chance after beating the offside trap but he scuffed his shot straight at Cech.

Sunderland squandered a great chance on 89 minutes when Van Aanholt was played in behind but he couldn’t keep his effort down with the goal at his mercy.

Arsenal wrapped up victory in added time when they caught Sunderland on the break. A scramble inside the six yard box was eventually poked home by Ramsey to seal the win for Arsenal.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech, Koscielny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Monreal, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott 64’), Ozil, Campbell (Gibbs 76’), Ramsey, Giroud (Chambers 80’).

Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Gibbs, Gabriel, Debuchy, Iwobi, Walcott.

Goals: Campbell (34’) Giroud (62’) Ramsey (90+4)

Sunderland (3-5-2): Pantilimon, Coates, Kaboul, O’Shea, Yedlin, Van Aanholt, M’Vila, Toivonen (Rodwell 61’), Watmore, Borini (Johnson 67’), Fletcher (Lens 73’).

Subs: Mannone, Jones, Rodwell, Gomez, Lens, Johnson, Graham.

Goals: Giroud (og 45’)