Arsenal Win 1-0

Arsenal rarely make anything easy this year, and what should have been a comfortable win became a nail-biter, particularly after Carl Jenkinson, a late starter after Koscielny pulled up lame in warmups, elicited a second yellow in the 70th minute, forcing the Gunners to protect a one goal lead for 24 long minutes. But in a game that might just propel the team forward for the remainder of the season, they remained resilient and saw the win out. Among the heroes was goalkeeper Szczesny, who made impressive save after impressive save -- outshining an impressive first half from Sunderland goalee Mignolet, including a number of outstanding saves of efforts from Ramsey (who really should have put the game away free six yards out in front of goal) and Walcott. Sagna, called to play as a centre-back, also had an outstanding game, maybe silencing some of those critics (including me), who have noticed a real drop in form this year. Giroud, whose near misses are starting to add up this season, made a number of defensive plays in the closing minutes and has really improved his ability to hold the ball up or distribute it to the other attacking players. And Mertesacker had another strong game, including a number of saving headers and blocks when Sunderland looked sure to equalize.

Cazorla scored the only goal of the game in the 35th minute, after another scintillating run by Wilshire was fed to Walcott who laid the ball off for a solid low finish. It was the only breakthrough for a Gunner squad that dominated possession and chances throughout the first 45 minutes, but lacked the finishing touch that has often deserted them this season. Mignolet was a big part of that pattern however, saving two Walcott chances early, a lovely shot to the far post by Ramsey and the aforementioned shot right in front of goal close to the half time whistle. Things changed in the second 45 however, as Wilshire pulled up and out with an aggravation of a thigh injury, which will have Arsenal fans sweating out the news, in the 50th minute. Diaby came in and while he didn't have a bad game, there were fewer chances for the Gunners in the second 45. Theo was subbed out in the 83rd as the Gunners hung on for dear life, and Miquel helped stave off the equalizer until the final whistle.

It was the second gritty performance from the Gunners in a row and reminds of the now crucial dropped points to the same opponents in the opening two games of the camapaign. But there is much to be hopeful of in the performance. Wilshire has quickly grown into one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the EPL and the interplay between he, Walcott and Cazorla was sometimes breathtaking to see. The defense has now registered two clean sheets in a row and the improvement by Szczesny in this game should increase his confidence going into key fixtures against Tottenham and Everton after a stop at the Emirates to take on lowly Aston Villa. Considering player grades ...

Wojciech Szczesny: 9.5
The Pole showed why he is Arsenal's undisputed starting goalkeeper and one of the best in the Premier League with several outstanding reflex saves near the end of the game. Steven Fletcher will be thinking about the magnificent save that somehow kept him from equalizing the Peter Schmeichel-esque save he made earlier with his body spread out. Just minutes before the end of normal time, Szczesny scooped another shot away from the goal line and subsequently deftly dealt with the corner kicks and crosses Sunderland hurled at him.
 Carl Jenkinson: 4
With Laurent Koscielny scrapped from the starting XI at the last minute due to a recurrence of his calf problem, Jenkinson found himself chucked into the lineup in the Frenchman's place. While Jenkinson was impressive marshallning for Sagna during his injury earlier in the season, today he looked like a player who didin't plan on making an appearance (and one can't fully blame him for this). But the idea that he should replace Sagna, now has to be seriously questioned, as he seemed nervous on the ball, was constantly beaten by Stephane Sessegnon and picked up a deserved second yellow for a silly tackle. 

Bacary Sagna: 10
Playing out of position at center-back, Bacary Sagna had one of those games that reminded me of Alex Song last year filling in in the same position. He cleared away danger all afternoon including a key toe poke away from a charging Sunderland player who would have surely scored.
Per Mertesacker: 7.5
Sagna did most of the work in central defense, but Mertesacker had to be extremely vigilant to stem the continuous waves of Sunderland attacks that descended upon the Arsenal defense after Carl Jenkinson got sent off. He was as solid as usual and deserves to keep his place in central defense.

Nacho Monreal: 6.5
Monreal turned in another solid display though not exemplary performance that further solidified my belief that he was a smart signing. Though he still seems to need to settle to the physicality of the English game and watch the angle he takes on wingers, he was rarely beaten and put in a couple of lovely crosses that unfortunately didn't lead to goals. Rumour has it that Santos is on his way out (to Brazil on loan) and one hopes they are true. 
 
Mikel Arteta: 6.5
While Arteta was not involved in the goal and lacked some of the pinpoint passing we are used to, he was the key fulcrum in the back starting attacks and keeping possession. His presence in the lineup clearly stabilizes the team and while he clearly isn't a typical defensive midfielder, he seems to add a level of calm from the back to front of the pitch. 
 
Jack Wilshere: 7.5

Before his injury in the 50th minute, Wilshere provided a number of driving runs through the heart of midfield, trying harder and with more success than anyone else to break the resolve of Sunderland's stolid defense. Eventually, he did, through Walcott and Cazorla. My major fear regarding Wilshire is that his recklessness in tackling and bouncing his body all over the field will lead to another injury, but he is certainly one of the brightest lights in a team that suddenly seems much better than the one of a few weeks ago.  

Aaron Ramsey:6
Ever since Ramsey decided to simplify his game, he has become a much better player. He continued that solidity against Sunderland, with a no-frills performance that illustrated his role as midfield pivot. While he missed a gilded chance to put the game out of reach, he was unlucky not to score on a lovely shot from the edge of the box. Ramsey did give the ball away on a few occasions though, and one almost led to a Sunderland goal. But his general form is certainly a comfort to those of us who thought he had lost his way completely.  

Santi Cazorla:9
Cazorla is sometimes beautiful to watch on the pitch. His vision, ability to keep the ball in tight corners, sideways runs to create space and shooting ability from both feet makes him one of the signings of the season in the EPL. He scored the only goal of the game, and though he had two chances to make it a brace, his steadiness and creativity helped drive the Gunners in the first half and restore some calm in the waning minutes. His flexibility should also be noted, as he played today on the left wing where Podolski is usually found (not sure why he didn't play).ould have sealed the game for Arsenal on a couple of occasions, but couldn't hit the target.

Theo Walcott: 7
Walcott could have scored twice within the first five minutes and continuously got involved on the right flank. Unfortunately, his finishing was less than exemplary, but after a number of selfish shots in recent games, his perfect lay off to Cazorla provided his eighth assist of the season and the winner. Walcott still has to work on his decision-making at times, but his improved dribbling has made him a headache for left backs throughout the league and he might be our best hope of pulling off an upset against Bayern.  

Olivier Giroud: 7
Giroud cannot be faulted for his desire or effort, but one must rue the number of clear chances he blows. Great striker convert one in two or one in three chances. Given the number Giroud has been offered this year (including at least two today), his conversion rate is quite low and he has cost us points since the first game of the season. On the other hand, he really contributed on defense in the late going and one hopes he starts making more of his chances on a regular basis, as he does have the skills to become a top scorer. Given that we didn't sign another striker, which still disturbs me, we will rely on him contributing more as we struggle to catch up with Chelsea and Tottenham, who both won. 

Diaby: 6
Diaby came on in the 50th minute for Wilshire and was solid if unimpressive. He had a real chance to put the game away when he found himself free 10 yards from goal with a clear angle in, but sent it right at the keeper. He also gave up the ball a couple of times and seems worried about another injury, keeping him from going any for too many tackles. But it is good to see him in a run of games without another injury. Let's hope it stays that way.

Miquel: n/a
The Spanish center-half came on late for Walcott and wasn't involved enough to warrant a grade, though one hopes we can keep him as a viable fourth choice and finally say goodbye to the useless Squillaci this summer. 

So Arsenal still sit four points from the coveted fourth place spot, but still have games against Tottenham and Everton, which will probably play a large part in deciding their fate this year. We are also still in the FA Cup and with a winnable fixture coming up, let's hope a nice run culminates in the trophy us Gooners have been hungry for since that 2005 FA Cup penalty winning victory over Man U.