Analysing Arsenal’s Performance During 2-0 Win Over Sunderland

Arsenal came away with all three points as an Alexis Sanchez double secured a 2-0 win away at Sunderland on Saturday afternoon. Here, Gunner333 gives us his analysis of the game.

With just 2 wins from their opening 8 fixtures, the Gunners arrived on Wearside desperate to get back to winning ways while Sunderland were eager to amend an 8-0 loss away to Southampton last time out.

It was evident Gus Poyet’s orders were to bolt the Sunderland door firmly shut to cancel out an early Arsenal opportunity, to prevent the floodgates opening once more. The lion’s share of possession still remained with the visitors however, who were desperately trying to break down a stubborn Black-cats side.

The deadlock was fortuitously broken half hour in though, Wes Brown showing hints of last week’s calamitous defending, when his back pass was too light and latched onto by Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean’s form showing no signs of fading with the forward lobbing the ball over former Gunner Vito Mannone for 1-0.

The most prevalent piece of action in the second forty-five was a worrying knock suffered by Kieran Gibbs, the left-back limping off to be replaced by Hector Bellerin, twenty minutes from time.

Just as one thought the game was fizzling out Sunderland gifting Arsenal another pre-Halloween treat, when Manonne’s heavy touch rolled into the path of Sanchez who converted a second into the empty Sunderland net.

Full time and although Arsenal were far from their best, we still came away with a 2-0 win and a vital three points. I will now analyse the team’a efforts from defence to attack:

At The Back: 8/10

A clean-sheet greatly welcomed, given that Arsenal have not seen one since a 3-0 win over Villa over a month ago. In truth, Sunderland offered little going forward but the lads at the back, marshalled by Per Mertesacker, dealt with anything the hosts did throw our way with ease.

However, I still feel Nacho Monreal didn’t look comfortable in the middle of defence and against stronger opposition, we could have been punished. The sooner Laurent Koscielny returns, the better.

It was a huge blow to see Kieran Gibbs limp off mid-way through the second half. His energy going forward and solid defensive attributes are going to be sorely missed if he’s ruled out for any period of time.

In The Middle: 7/10

The Arsenal midfield really did tell two contrasting stories. The absence of Wilshere and Ramsey called for a firmer understanding in who would play further back and who would merge forwards. The speed of the game seemed dictated by the eagerness of our forwards, as oppose to the vision of our middle-men.

Flamini and Arteta are fast declining in flair and creativity, but once again did a good enough job in holding up the ball at dangerous times in the game and breaking down the rare Sunderland attacks. Both performed well on a defensive side but perhaps played too safe at times and could have dispersed play a little more frequently, to allow Oxlade-Chamberlain a bigger say in the game.

Santi Cazorla is my biggest critique of the afternoon’s work as it is quickly becoming a sad sight to see the former Malaga man drift further from his previous exciting self. His efforts at goal left a lot to be desired and he really needs to improve his finishing as he wasted some glorious opportunities to get on the score-sheet.

Up-Top: 8/10

If it were not for the seemingly anonymous performance of Danny Welbeck, this would be an area receiving full marks, with Alexis Sanchez once again carrying the weight of Gunner expectations single-handedly.

His tireless efforts to bring everyone into the game and battle hard to find space were rightfully rewarded by his brace and one can only pray the rest of the team begin to mirror Alexis.

Whist his striking partner’s praises can not be sung highly enough, Danny Welbeck played to a lesser degree of quality, failing to really be noticed in the game. The Englishman did work hard but just couldn’t get himself in the game.

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