Arsenal shut up their critics by taking all three points of Big Sam’s Sunderland side today, and it ended up a relatively easy 3-1 scoreline.
Joel Campbell came good with a very ell-taken opening goal, and although Giroud scored an own goal to give the Black Cats a way back into the game, Giroud made amends at the other end before Aaron Ramsey sealed the points.
The first half was a bit hairy for the Gunners, with Sunderland putting up a good fight, but once all the changes in the side got used to each other we ended up quite comfortable. Arsene Wenger once again stressed that that there are no easy games in the Premier League yet again, but at least we got a confidence boost ahead of the massive game in Athens in midweek.
Wenger said after the game: “This Premier League is a battle. You have to give credit to Sunderland who were well organised and always dangerous on the break.
“It could have been one of those days, but the mental aspect was good and we kept concentration.
“Joel Campbell also scored against Swansea and since he has come into the side his contribution is very positive.
With Man City losing we are now up to second in the table, and Arsene finally acknowledged who our main rivals are: “We have to keep winning games and collecting points and hope that (leaders) Leicester slip up.”
If Leicester and Arsenal pull away at the top of the League, I will more than happy to go into April with them a point or two in front….