Full Time: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez was yet again the savior for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger’s side managed to take all three points from their penultimate league game of the season, against Sunderland last night. The Gunners were frustrated until the hour mark as Sunderland managed to hold on and defend but Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez combined to give them the lead at the hour mark.
The lead was doubled quickly, with the Chilean finding the back of the next with a close-range header. This win takes Arsenal within touching distance of a place in the top-4 but a victory for City and Liverpool on the final day will end their hopes of Champions Leauge football for next season. Here’s how the Gunners fared against Sunderland:
Player Ratings – Arsenal
Petr Cech (7)
Was brilliant all game and made some crucial saves when needed. Sniffed out the few attacks that Sunderland launched.
Rob Holding (8)
Should have scored at the other end to put Arsenal in the lead early in the game but was solid at the back against the likes of Defoe. Top class performance from the young lad.
Shkodran Mustafi (6)
Did not have much to do at the heart of the Arsenal defence as he stuck to his task and helped his side to a clean sheet.
Nacho Monreal (6)
Had his moment of real nervousness when his back pass almost ended up in the back of the net but had a fairly solid evening otherwise.
Hector Bellerin (6)
Also missed a decent chance to give Arsenal the lead but was a constant outlet in the attack for Arsenal on the right flank.
Aaron Ramsey (7)
Another good performance from the Welshman in a game where Sunderland were resilient for more than an hour. Was unfortunate to have got injured, just when he was finding his rhythm.
Granit Xhaka (7.5)
Had a good game once again and he finally looks like he’s settled in England. Was heavily involved in Arsenal’s search for goals and put in an excellent pass to find Mesut Ozil, who set up the assist for Sanchez’ opener.
Kieran Gibbs (6)
Was easily lacking the quality needed for launching dangerous attacks. He was by far below his teammates on the night.
Mesut Ozil (8)
Mesut Ozil seems to be flourishing in this new system and was once again dictating terms on the pitch. What a peach of a play to set up Arsenal’s opener. Top class!
Alexis Sanchez (8)
The magical Chilean looked absolutely unstoppable. Just when the game was heading towards a draw, he, along with Ozil decided to turn things around and they succeeded.
Olivier Giroud (5)
Found a man mountain in front of goal in Pickford as he failed to convert any of his chances on the night. However, played his role in Sanchez’s second.
Subs:
Alex Iwobi (6)
Came into the game after Arsenal took the lead and did well to keep Sunderland penned back.
Theo Walcott (5)
Got a great chance to put Arsenal three up but failed to do so. Came off the bench for the second game in a row.
Danny Welbeck (6)
Came on for the injured Aaron Ramsey, and it turned out to be a tactical one too, considering how Arsenal formed themselves after that.