Arsenal
Petr Cech – 7.5/10
The Czech Republic shot-stopper produced a series of good saves to keep Gunners in the game. Was possibly Arsenal’s best player on the pitch.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
A poor game for the Spaniard as he failed to overlap and provide crosses for Giroud and company. The 21-year-old was lucky that Sunderland were not awarded a penalty after his poor headed clearance fell to Defoe, whose shot struck Mertesacker on the hand.
Per Mertesacker – 5.5/10
The German was kept on his toes by Defoe throughout the game and was lucky to not concede a penalty in the first-half.
Laurent Koscielny – 6/10
Endured a poor game by his standards, but made some vital blocks. Ducked inexplicably when Sunderland were attacking a corner. Was booked late in the second half for a challenge on Watmore.
Nacho Monreal – 6/10
The Spaniard was solid on the left-hand side and kept Yedlin and Borini at way. Couldn’t overlap like he is accustomed to, but provided some inviting crosses when he did.
Aaron Ramsey – 4/10
After a brilliant performance against West Brom, the Welsh midfielder endured a horrific game in midfield. The 25-year-old gave away possession a couple of times, while he was also sloppy with his passing.
Mohamed Elneny – 6/10
The January-signing from FC Basel was industrious in midfield and provided an outlet in attack for the Gunners. Defended well, but was booked late on in the game.
Alexis Sánchez – 6.5/10
Following a man of the match performance against West Brom, the Chilean was abysmal against the Black Cats. Saw a brilliant free-kick saved by Mannone in the first-half.
Mesut Ozil – 5.5/10
The German playmaker has suffered a dip in form lately and couldn’t influence the game as he is used to. Still created five chances for his side, but was replaced by the returning Jack Wilshere in the 84th minute.
Alex Iwobi – 6/10
The teenager had a good game and saw all of his efforts saved by Mannone. Iwobi was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when his shot struck Yedlin inside the box.
Olivier Giroud 1.5/10
The striker has now failed to score in 19 of his last 20 games for the Gunners in all competitions. Lacked the support and tried to bring his teammates to play with his hold-up play, but overall failed to threaten.
Substitutes:
Danny Welbeck – 5/10
The striker forced some good saves from Mannone after coming on, but couldn’t break the deadlock for his side.
Theo Walcott – N/A
Replaced Iwobi in the 71st minute and didn’t have much impact on the game, but missed an easy chance after beating Kaboul.
Jack Wilshere – N/A
The midfielder replaced Ozil in the 84th minute to make his first appearance in 330 days. Didn’t have much time to influence the game.
