Sunderland vs. Arsenal review – Rambo to the rescue as Gunners go To

This game was always going to be all about the debut of Mesut Ozil once the Arsenal team sheet was revealed and the German international’s name was on it. The Gunners are absolutely ravaged by illness and injury, with Cazorla and Mertesacker joining all the others on the sidelines, but the fact that our record signing was fit was a major boost. It took the European assist master just over 10 minutes to make his presence felt, providing an assist for Giroud with a brilliant touch to control a long ball and an inch perfect pass. Giroud’s finish was just as good and Arsenal were ahead. Giroud turned provider a few minutes later by setting Walcott free on goal, but the Sunderland keeper Westwood made a good reaction save. He denied Theo another great chance after Ozil had played him in later in the first half. Theo just needs a bit of luck to get him off the mark, because he has been doing most things right. If his first goal keeps evading him, his confidence and form could start to suffer. His third chance of the half, a header from Wilshere’s cross, would probably have nestled in the net if Walcott was on a roll. His fourth chance, from a fantastic Giroud flick, he didn’t even go for goal, but Westwood smothered his attempted cut back. Arsenal could and should have been out of sight, with 70 percent possession and four great chances, but it was only 1 – 0 at halftime. How often does the failure to kill teams off cost Arsenal? Koscielny’s idiotic challenge right after the break gave away another penalty and Gardner scored to give Sunderland a lifeline they barely deserved. It also lifted their spirits and made Arsenal’s job much more difficult. Sunderland were finding lots of space and the Arsenal defence was looking wobbly. We were saved by the offside flag when Fletcher put the ball past Szczedsny after 59 minutes, then by the post soon after. Thankfully, we waeathered the storm and started to pin them back again, and got the lead back with an awesome strike from Ramsey, meeting an excellent cross from Jenkinson as sweet as a nut. Sunderland were not done though, and were unlucky to be denied a quick equalizer when the referee stopped play for a free kick. Ramsey’s well taken second took the game away from them with 15 minutes left. Vermaelen came on for the last 10, which will do him good and is hopefully the start of many comebacks to boost our depleted squad. Hopefully Giroud is okay after hurting his knee late on. Well, it might not be for too long, with Chelsea and Liverpool still to play, but Arsenal are TOP OF THE TABLE !!!