The Game

With Manchester United and Chelsea both having tricky away games, Arsenal could move closer to the top, although they will have to do so without Abou Diaby, William Gallas, Andrey Arshavin and Eduardo. As always, please do join the discussion in our chat room which will also be active after the full time whistle.

Streaming Links

For those who don’t know where to watch the game, maybe we can help, follow this link for streaming options.

The Line-Ups

Arsenal

Almunia, Eboue, Silvestre, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Walcott, Fabregas, Ramsey, Nasri, Bendtner

Subs: Fabianski, Sagna, Rosicky, Vela, Denilson, Traore, Campbell

Sunderland

Gordon, Hutton, Mensah, Turner, McCartney, Campbell, Cana, Ferdinand, Richardson, Bent, Jones

Subs: Carson, Bardsley, Zenden, Malbranque, Da Silva, Kilgallon, Mwaruwari

Half-Time Thoughts and Analysis

The first half of football between Arsenal and Sunderland was very much what we predicted, with the Gunners dominating possession, creating chances and finally, after missing plenty of opportunities in front of goal, also scoring.

Emmanuel Eboue, “man of the first half” has brought something which let’s face it, Bacary Sagna has failed to bring in the Arsenal side. It was from one of his phenomenal runs that we took the lead, with Nicklas Bendtner.

Unfortunately, the same old nightmares at the back almost came back to haunt us but luckily, we escaped. Mikael Silvestre may have started brilliantly and looked solid but when he was called to defend, he was caught napping allowing Jones to be gifted a one-on-one chance with Almunia.

As for the rest, not much to add really as the boys are doing pretty well out there, but we need to be careful, or better, we need a second goal cushion as quickly as possible.

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