"A difficult place to come" may seem like a cliche used for when a big club plays a relatively smaller one, but it’s an apt description for Sunderland versus Arsenal — even if the statistics bode well for the Gunners.
The Black Cats have won just one of their last 25 Premier League matches against Arsenal and Wenger’s men had only conceded eight times in 15 visits to Wearside before Saturday’s match. It started superbly when Alexis Sanchez headed in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross in the 19th minute after a well-timed run from the Chilean. Only Diego Costa and Romelu Lukaku (6) have scored more goals than the converted winger so far this season as he continues to impress in his lone role up front.
Arsenal dominated first-half proceedings and it could have been game over if Mesut Ozil converted his lob over Jordan Pickford. The game was more even after the break, and when Duncan Watmore found himself one on one with Cech it was the goalkeeper who hauled him down to concede a penalty.
Up stepped Jermain Defoe, who struck his first league goal against Arsenal since 2004, which was also Sunderland’s first short on target.
Olivier Giroud came on for Alex Iwobi — who continues to lack confidence in front of goal — making an immediate impact on his return from injury by scoring with his first two touches against Sunderland. The Frenchman looked sublime with several excellent touches and two equally as impressive finishes, emphasizing that he is determined to win back his place as Arsenal's main central striker.
Sanchez capped off the win with just 10 minutes left after Kieran Gibbs’ shot that hit the woodwork bounced to him in the penalty area. The 28-year-old swiveled in the box and finished brilliantly past Pickford to cap off a fine victory for an Arsenal side, whicb is at the top of the league table, at least until Manchester City plays West Brom.
The true test of Arsenal’s title credentials, however, will come in November, when games against Tottenham and Manchester United are sandwiched between a crucial Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Nevertheless, Wenger’s side have been in great form over the past few weeks and it shows no sign of halting.