A game that was attrition personified. Arsenal needed an impressive second-half defensive display to preserve their 1-0 half-time lead to remain in touch with the chase for a top 4 finish.
Wojciech Szczesny - 8 - Flapped at one Sunderland corner in the second-half, but was otherwise faultless. The maxim about a save being worth as much as a goal came into play, as the Pole made two superb saves from point-blank range.
Carl Jenkinson - 5 - Maybe it was because he was called into the first XI at the last minute, or maybe it was due to him being ring-rusty, having played so little recently, but whatever the reason, Jenkinson looked off the pace. Struggled with Stephane Sessegnon, and was rightly sent-off for two yellow cards.
Bacary Sagna - 9 - Personally I have no recollection of Sagna playing as a centre-half before, but after this performance, it's something that Arsene Wenger should look at. Sagna was immense, playing Steven Fletcher brilliantly, and making numerous interventions as Arsenal came under pressure in the second-half.
Per Mertesacker - 7 - When dealing with Sunderland's second-half attacks, he didn't always stop the defensive line from dropping too deep. However, it would be unfair not to give Mertesacker some credit for the clean sheet, as it was a solid outing from the German.
Nacho Monreal - 7 - Found things difficult defensively in the first-half, but improved in the second when he had to deal with Adam Johnson rather than Sessegnon. He also needs to learn to close his man down quicker. But it's been a tough introduction to English football for the Spaniard, and has thus far coped competently
Mikel Arteta - 8 - It's games such as these which demonstrate just how key Arteta has become to Arsenal. Screened the back four well, and was one of the few players who used the ball intelligently to take the sting out of the momentum Sunderland were building. A series of "clever fouls", and 95% passing accuracy capped a fine display.
Aaron Ramsey - 7 - Was denied by Mignolet late in the first-half, and at times was sloppy in possession. However, once he was pressed into emergency service at right-back, he defended manfully, handing Sessegnon more effectively than Jenkinson had. He could prove a useful option there in future.
Jack Wilshere - 7 - Had a tough battle against Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback, and received little protection from the referee as he was habitually kicked. Eventually he took a knock on his already bandaged thigh and had to leave the field. However, it was one of his a trademark dribbles that started the move which led to the winning goal.
Theo Walcott - 6 - Was a busy presence and equalled his best season tally of Premier League assists (8), when he teed up Cazorla for the winner. However, some of his passing was loose, and was unable to get on the scoresheet, despite having a number of opportunities.
Olivier Giroud - 6 - I can't fault the Frenchman's workrate, and he did some good work at defensive set-pieces. However, Giroud's passing, shooting, and decision making was very ordinary. He only hit the target once from his 6 shots at goal. Arsenal can't afford for him to have many more games like this.
Santi Cazorla - 7 - Had a number of shooting chances to put the game to bed, which he didn't take. But this was more like the Cazorla from the early weeks of the season. Always looked the most likely to open Sunderland up, and made the crucial intervention with his 8th goal of the season to secure the 3 points.
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Abou Diaby - 6 - Brought on to replace Wilshere, and Sunderland looked more threatening as soon as he came onto the pitch. He appeared unable to keep up with what was a frenetically paced match.
Ignasi Miquel - n/a - A late introduction to try and preserve the lead. Didn't let the side down.
The match may have ended in nerves frayed, and nails bitten to the quick, but it's now 10 points from the last 12 for Arsenal, not to mention the unexpected bonus of 2 successive clean sheets.
Tottenham will still be favourites for 4th place, but Arsenal aren't out of the hunt yet.
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