A win and automatic qualification to the group stage would be ensured for Arsenal and pressure on City for 2nd. A draw would also almost surely seal direct qualification as a result of a much superior goal difference between us and United.
To that end, Sunderland may have seemed inviting opponents. The Black Cats had not beaten their hosts for 10 games and had taken the fewest shots on goal in the Premier League this season. However, Advocaat’s appointment as manager had provoked an upturn in form that had lifted them out of the relegation zone and to the brink of survival.
A draw may have been an attractive outcome for both teams, but Wenger had spoken of his determination to end the campaign on a high ahead of the FA Cup final. Momentum was key, but having named an unchanged side for six successive matches, he opted to freshen up his team this time around.
Wilshere’s recent bright cameos off the bench were rewarded with a starting place at the expense of Coquelin with the England international lining up on the right. That meant Ramsey moving into the centre alongside Cazorla.
The other change was Gibbs starting in place of Monreal at LB.
FIRST HALF
Arsenal had not scored in the last 2 home games, much to the frustration of the home fans. So this led to the team with an increased desire to attack.
First opportunity fell to Wilshere, who was through on goal, but a heavy touch meant the ball fell to Pantilimon's hand.
The red waves continued to build, with Wilshere blasting over the bar before Cazorla tested Pantilimon from distance.
Ozil was next to have a go, but was off target after being found by Wilshere in the area while Giroud volleyed a difficult opportunity wide of the far post moments later.
Despite their dominance, the Gunners were frustrated by Advocaat’s side who, living up to Wenger’s pre-match prediction, stacked men behind the ball and looked to break on the counter.
In truth, the visitors were barely a threat in an attacking sense. Their primary aim seemed to be to keep a clean sheet at all costs and they made it to the break unscathed.
SECOND HALF
Ospina had to make a fine save to deny Fletcher early on and almost immediately had to deny van Aanholt as well.
Arsenal responded brightly, with Ramsey feeding Bellerin, who crossed for Giroud. The striker's attempt was palmed away by Pantilimon.
Moments later Bellerin was involved once more, this time crossing high for Gibbs to plant a firm header on goal. Once more Sunderland’s keeper was equal to it.
It was frenetic stuff, and second after Alexis had a shot blocked inside the area, the visitors sent Fletcher clean through on goal. With Arsenal hearts in mouths, they were once again indebted to Ospina, who stood tall and got a hand to the striker’s chipped shot and deflected it out for a corner.
Fletcher then wasted an even better chance when he threw himself at Van Aanholt’s low shot but diverted his shot high and wide with the goal gaping.
It was a big let-off for the hosts, and they nearly made Fletcher pay for his profligacy when Walcott - fresh off the bench - saw a shot cleared off the line after being played in by Ramsey.
The game finished 0-0. Yet another home game without a goal. Frustration.
PLAYER RATINGS
13: David Ospina (8): Some excellent saves out there.
39: Hector Bellerin (7.5): In all honesty seemed our best attacking outlet. Attempted 9 crosses or so.
6: Laurent Koscielny (6.5): Did not have much to do. Dealt with whatever was thrown at him.
4: Per Mertesacker (6.5): Again not much to do.
3: Kieran Gibbs (6.5): Did not seem to do much offensively when we needed him, probably down to a lack of match practise.
19: Santi Cazorla (6.5): 155 passes completed, which was the best by any player this season. Almost our entire play went through him.
16: Aaron Ramsey (6.5): Another who completed 120+ passes. One beautiful pass to Walcott included.
10: Jack Wilshere (6.5): Tried to influence the game. Had a good first half but faded away in the second.
17: Alexis Sanchez (6): Another poor performance by the Chilean.
11: Mesut Ozil (6): Had the best chance of the game. Did not do too well.
12: Olivier Giroud (6): Again struggled to get a hold in the game.
SUBSTITUTES:
14: Theo Walcott (7): Again a good cameo, had an attempt cleared off the line.
7: Tomas Rosicky (6): Increased the tempo, as he always seems to do, after coming on.
To that end, Sunderland may have seemed inviting opponents. The Black Cats had not beaten their hosts for 10 games and had taken the fewest shots on goal in the Premier League this season. However, Advocaat’s appointment as manager had provoked an upturn in form that had lifted them out of the relegation zone and to the brink of survival.
A draw may have been an attractive outcome for both teams, but Wenger had spoken of his determination to end the campaign on a high ahead of the FA Cup final. Momentum was key, but having named an unchanged side for six successive matches, he opted to freshen up his team this time around.
Wilshere’s recent bright cameos off the bench were rewarded with a starting place at the expense of Coquelin with the England international lining up on the right. That meant Ramsey moving into the centre alongside Cazorla.
The other change was Gibbs starting in place of Monreal at LB.
FIRST HALF
Arsenal had not scored in the last 2 home games, much to the frustration of the home fans. So this led to the team with an increased desire to attack.
First opportunity fell to Wilshere, who was through on goal, but a heavy touch meant the ball fell to Pantilimon's hand.
The red waves continued to build, with Wilshere blasting over the bar before Cazorla tested Pantilimon from distance.
Ozil was next to have a go, but was off target after being found by Wilshere in the area while Giroud volleyed a difficult opportunity wide of the far post moments later.
Despite their dominance, the Gunners were frustrated by Advocaat’s side who, living up to Wenger’s pre-match prediction, stacked men behind the ball and looked to break on the counter.
In truth, the visitors were barely a threat in an attacking sense. Their primary aim seemed to be to keep a clean sheet at all costs and they made it to the break unscathed.
SECOND HALF
Ospina had to make a fine save to deny Fletcher early on and almost immediately had to deny van Aanholt as well.
Arsenal responded brightly, with Ramsey feeding Bellerin, who crossed for Giroud. The striker's attempt was palmed away by Pantilimon.
Moments later Bellerin was involved once more, this time crossing high for Gibbs to plant a firm header on goal. Once more Sunderland’s keeper was equal to it.
It was frenetic stuff, and second after Alexis had a shot blocked inside the area, the visitors sent Fletcher clean through on goal. With Arsenal hearts in mouths, they were once again indebted to Ospina, who stood tall and got a hand to the striker’s chipped shot and deflected it out for a corner.
Fletcher then wasted an even better chance when he threw himself at Van Aanholt’s low shot but diverted his shot high and wide with the goal gaping.
It was a big let-off for the hosts, and they nearly made Fletcher pay for his profligacy when Walcott - fresh off the bench - saw a shot cleared off the line after being played in by Ramsey.
The game finished 0-0. Yet another home game without a goal. Frustration.
PLAYER RATINGS
13: David Ospina (8): Some excellent saves out there.
39: Hector Bellerin (7.5): In all honesty seemed our best attacking outlet. Attempted 9 crosses or so.
6: Laurent Koscielny (6.5): Did not have much to do. Dealt with whatever was thrown at him.
4: Per Mertesacker (6.5): Again not much to do.
3: Kieran Gibbs (6.5): Did not seem to do much offensively when we needed him, probably down to a lack of match practise.
19: Santi Cazorla (6.5): 155 passes completed, which was the best by any player this season. Almost our entire play went through him.
16: Aaron Ramsey (6.5): Another who completed 120+ passes. One beautiful pass to Walcott included.
10: Jack Wilshere (6.5): Tried to influence the game. Had a good first half but faded away in the second.
17: Alexis Sanchez (6): Another poor performance by the Chilean.
11: Mesut Ozil (6): Had the best chance of the game. Did not do too well.
12: Olivier Giroud (6): Again struggled to get a hold in the game.
SUBSTITUTES:
14: Theo Walcott (7): Again a good cameo, had an attempt cleared off the line.
7: Tomas Rosicky (6): Increased the tempo, as he always seems to do, after coming on.