The Game

So many questions asked before the game, all of which will be answered in just a few minutes. Arsenal face Sunderland, away from home, with Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Kieran Gibbs and others not available for Arsene Wenger but Theo Walcott, Denilson, Carlos Vela and Armand Traoré all back and available for selection.

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The Line-Ups

Sunderland

Fulop, Bardsley, Da Silva, Mensah, McCartney, Malbranque, Cana, Richardson, Henderson, Reid, Bent

Subs: Carson, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Zenden, Campbell, Murphy, Healy

Arsenal

Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Traore, Song Billong, Ramsey, Fabregas, Rosicky, Eduardo, Nasri

Subs: Mannone, Vela, Walcott, Denilson, Silvestre, Arshavin, Eboue

Half-Time Thoughts and Analysis

Arsene Wenger’s solution to Robin van Persie’s injury was to start with Nasri, Rosicky and Eduardo in the starting line-up, hoping that together with Aaron Ramsey and Cesc Fabregas – two who can also find the net – these offensive midfielders can invent something and in a way, the system is working nicely as the ball is being passed well but we’re lacking when the final pass or final shot is to be made.

Tomas Rosicky’s early chance will go down as our best chance of the half with Sunderland having two open-goal chances, both missed by Steed Malbranque.

All in all, it’s been a quiet half with plenty of battles in midfield where Alex Song is doing his usual amazing job, though very careful not to get a yellow. The home side’s back four did leave some gaps at the back but it’s only Cesc Fabregas who is trying his luck from close range but I believe others should do the same.

We need to win of course, especially with Chelsea already securing their three points from the weekend.

At half time, it’s Sunderland nil, Arsenal nil.