A confident Arsenal side welcomed a relegated Sunderland team to the Emirates last night. The Gunners are still in with a shout of finishing in the top four places and had to win to keep their hopes alive.
After a frustrating first half, Alexis Sánchez finally opened the scoring in the 72nd minute after latching onto a pull-back from Mesut Özil. The lead was shortly doubled in the 81st minute as Sánchez headed home from four yards out.
The win leaves Arsenal in fifth place with just a glimmer of hope of securing Champions League qualification. They’re now a point behind fourth-placed Liverpool as the two teams enter the last game of the season on Sunday.
Here are the five biggest talking points of the game.
#5 Aaron Ramsey thrives in the middle
The Aaron Ramsey of 2013/14 is the one we all want to see. The Ramsey that used to make driving runs into the 18-yard box, the Ramsey that brought others into the game with flicks, the Ramsey that scored goals for fun. That version of the Welshman was simply scintillating, not the one who loses the ball every 10 seconds.
As the most advanced of the midfield pivot, the 26-year old was given the freedom to roam up and down the pitch, much to the benefit of Arsenal’s attacking play. He linked up well with Olivier Giroud and Özil, providing movement for them to supply.
In the first half, Ramsey made 21 passes in the attacking third, creating two chances. He was central to everything good that Arsenal produced off the ball.
#4 Jermaine Defoe is too good for Sunderland
If there was one player trying to make amends for the Black Cats abysmal season, it was Jermain Defoe. The 34-year old used his experience to make well-timed runs in between the three Arsenal centre-backs. His aim was to stretch out the narrow defence by pulling defenders out of position, thus creating space for his fellow teammates.
However, the English striker cut a lonely figure as the spearhead of Sunderland’s attack. His runs were often not spotted by his teammates, neither were they capitalised on.
If he had another player on his wavelength, I’m sure the 34-year old could have found the net last night. His tactical nous alone was not enough to carry Sunderland to a famous victory at the Emirates.
#3 Rob Holding is sensational
At the age of just 21, Rob Holding has firmly established himself as Arsenal’s second best defender. The young Englishman, for the second game in a row, put in a composed and assured performance. Playing up against a wily veteran in Defoe is never easy but the youngster handled it remarkably well.
Perhaps it’s the solidity of the system that’s bringing out the best in Rob Holding but he hasn’t put a foot wrong since being introduced. He’s complimented his fellow defensive partners immaculately by choosing when to cover and when to step up with the ball.
He exudes the confidence and experience of a 30-year old seasoned veteran, not a 21-year old who’s only made seven league appearances.
#2 Jordan Pickford is Sunderland’s standout performer
Despite shipping in two goals, Jordan Pickford was one of the few Sunderland players to cover himself in any glory last night. The 23-year old made save after save to thwart the efforts of the Gunners.
He commanded his box well, and organised the five defenders in front of him. It’s not easy to keep focus when you’re team is under the siege for 90 minutes.
But Pickford ensured that he maintained concentration throughout the whole game. The Englishman made an incredible 11 saves through the game as his goal was bombarded with shot after shot from a rampant Arsenal attack.
#1 Mesut Özil runs the show
Many criticise the German for not showing his ability enough but against Sunderland, Özil truly controlled the whole game. The 28-year old ran the game from start to finish. He orchestrated Arsenal’s attacking play like a conductor at the Royal Albert Hall. A low-block Sunderland defence was never going to be easy to break down but Özil tried his best to shift the defence from side to side.
His movement and incisive through balls ensured Arsenal kept Sunderland penned into their own half all game. His persistence was rewarded when a lobbed ball over the top from Xhaka ensured he could easily assist Sánchez for the opening goal. The move was testament to Özil’s constant dangerous play and ability to elevate his teammates with him.
The German maintained a 90% pass accuracy throughout the game, creating 12 chances (the most created by a player in the Premier League since records began) and completing three take-ons. He was truly sublime, it’s just a pity we don’t see this side of him more often.
