Arsenal got their long awaited third win of the season, beating Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light. A brace from Alexis Sanchez was enough to lift Arsenal through a cagey affair. The gunners traveled to Sunderland on the back of their last gasp win at Anderlecht and still reeling from injuries and suspension. Wilshere was the suspension casualty this time and Arsenal carried a threadbare squad yet again. It was a welcome return for Walcott however who made the bench as did Ramsey as Wenger made three changes from the team in midweek. Szczesny returned after suspension while Arteta and Chamberlain replaces Ramsey and Wilshere.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Monreal, Chambers, Arteta, Flamini, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez, Welbeck

Sunderland: Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O’Shea, Buckley, Rodwell, Cattermole, Johnson, Larsson, Fletcher

Report-1st half

Cagey and tense was the opening period with the host desperate to prevent a similar outcome from their last outing. They sat back deep in defense and forced Arsenal to break them down. Sanchez tried a long range effort but could only send his shot wide after eight minutes later. Two minutes later some nervous defending from Sunderland almost gifted Arsenal the lead.

Former Arsenal keeper Mannone made a mess of Chamberlain’s low cross, fumbling his lines almost into the path of Sanchez. O’Shea did just enough to get it clear.

Arsenal were patient; possessing the ball and waiting for their opportunity. Welbeck tried his luck on the quarter of an hour mark, curling an effort from the edge of the area that just clipped the top net. Frustration was growing for Arsenal and just as it seemed it would be another long day, Arsenal were granted yet another gift and Alexis Sanchez took full advantage.

On the half hour mark, Wes Brown made a real hash of his control under pressure from Sanchez. He whiffed at his back pass and Sanchez raced onto the loose ball and carried it into the box before chipping the hapless Mannone. 1-0 Arsenal and just the break they were looking for.

Arsenal continued to chip away and Cazorla nearly doubled the advantage three minutes later when his shot from 20 yards just knuckled wide. The half ended 1-0.

Report-2nd half

The second half was much of the same with Sunderland tightly bound. They showed a little intention though trying to claw their way back into the game. Rodwell rose to a header in the 52nd but could only nod directly to Szczesny.

The match burst into life around the hour mark after a series of meaty challenges. A 90 second period saw the sides swap possession as the challenges flew in. It made for great viewing and Sanchez almost put the cherry on top when yet another loose ball found the Chilean. His long range shot was easily smothered by Mannone this time though.

Five minutes later in the 65th Larsson’s effort was straight at Szczesny from 25 yards and the game settled down momentarily.

Arsenal would have to wait until the final ten minutes for another chance. Sanchez picked out Monreal down the left and he hung his cross for Welbeck but the Englishman just couldn’t keep his header down from 6 yards.

Nervy moment a minute later when Szczesny rushed out to meet a long ball. He could only punch the ball to van Aanholt who was unmarked but had it all to do on the volley. Lucky for Arsenal Aanholt lashed at his effort.

As the match came to a close Cazorla should have done better with his effort in the 89th but skied his effort over from close range. A minute later Christmas came early for Arsenal as yet another gift gave Arsenal their second. Mannone mishandled a back pass and gifted Sanchez the simplest of finishes.

The Chilean was all over the pitch and deserved his fortune. 2 for Sanchez and 2 for Arsenal and and the match ended 2-0.

How did the boys do?

Szczesny 7, Gibbs 8, Mertesacker 7, Monreal 7, Chambers 7, Arteta 6, Flamini 6, Cazorla 7, Oxlade-Chamberlain 7, Sanchez 8, Welbeck 7

Gunflash moment-Sanchez winner

Fantastic from Sanchez, closing down and anticipating the ball. He made Sunderland pay for their mistakes and is quickly becoming every gooner’s favorite player. Skillful little dink over Mannone for the first one and found himself in a good position yet again for the second.

Top Gunner-Alexis Sanchez

Yet again he was Arsenal’s inspiration and gave us a real spark when needed it. He found himself on the end of nearly every chance and showed real determination when closing down. He was awarded for his efforts twice today and despite his fortune, he was instrumental throughout.

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