Arsenal against Sunderland

Awful pass from Banyoun and Walcott gets his toe to the ball ahead of Colback who goes down screaming penalty.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> An open game now - another goal in it you feel. Sunderland change: Gardner for Cattermole.

Decent move from Arsenal as Sunderland open up to try and get another equaliser. Benayoun to Arshavin and a good save from Mignolet.

Now Ji has the ball in the net at the other end but he is ruled offside - correctly.

Top, top quality from captain fantastic. Such a good clip into the near post and Mignolet is beaten.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie!

Brown clips Van Persie and the skipper will take the free kick I would think.

Arshavin is trying to take them all on now - he overruns the ball this time.

Song clips in a high ball for Walcott. Not a great idea.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Sessegnon comes off and Connor Wickham is on.

Great ball in from Arshavin and an excellent clearing header from Brown.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rosicky, who has been decent, makes way for Benayoun.

A good ball from Ji but Koscielny does well to nudge Richardson off the ball.

Arshavin has made a difference. Looking lively on the ball.

So nearly a wonder goal from Arshavin after a lovely dribble into the box and a shot just wide of the far post.

Van Persie crosses to no-one in the box. No Arsenal shirts in there.

Song gives the ball away again. Groans growing louder at the Emirates.

Great tackle on Arshavin from Turner. Arsenal applying the pressure now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Larsson off and Dong-Won Ji for Sunderland - Gervinho off and Arshavin on for Arsenal.

A chance for Van Persie as he turns away from his man and forces Mignolet into a good low save with his feet.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Good move from Arsenal as Walcott cuts the ball back for Arteta but he can't get a shot away, then Koscielny is booked for bumping into Sessegnon.

Walcott's effort is so bad it provokes open derision from the crowd, who are not impressed.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Awful tackle from Brown - very late on Walcott. Another free kick on the box edge for Arsenal.

Jenkinson makes a nice run but his cross is poor. Still, it's a corner.

Arteta's free kick is miles over the bar. Nowhere near Larsson's effort.

O'Shea nods wide from Larsson free kick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Song clips Elmohamady.

Walcott wants a penalty for handball but it would have been very harsh. Richardson was two yards from him.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A booking for Larsson now as he tugs back Van Persie just before he was about to slot a ball in for Walcott.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Santos is on for Gibbs, who is injured, and fires a free kick over the bar for his first involvement.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> First yellow of the game for Vaughan who is late on Rosicky. Great run.

Walcott turns in the area and his deflected shot is saved by Mignolet before Turner hoofs the ball at Cattermole, whose header concedes a corner.

Koscielny finds Van Persie and he wants a corner after Turner closed him down right on the byline but a goal kick is given.

Good tackle from Gibbs to prevent Elmohamady getting away down the right.

A chance on the edge of the box for Song but his shot is blocked.

We begin again....

At least Arsenal fans can take solace in the fact that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/970211/robin-van-persie-asserts-commitment-to-gunners?cc=5739" target="_blank">Robin Van Persie said before the game he is going nowhere</a>.

Arsenal fans saying to journos in the press box this is the worst Gunners team since 1976. Not sure I agree with that one.

<b>HALF TIME</b> An even half but Arsenal should have been streets ahead after Van Persie scored after 26 seconds and then hit the post. Larsson's equaliser superb.

Good chance for Colback as Larsson nods across goal and the youngster volleys over the bar. Poor, poor defending.

Clumsy foul from Mertesacker as he brages into Colback. Before that Koscielny played a risky backpass.

Song wins the second ball but Mignolet is up to claim.

Again Jenkinson gets into space and crosses but Brown knocks it behind.

Better from Arsenal as they work the ball down the right. Jenkinson's cross is cleared.

Great shielding from Koscielny to hold off Colback.

Rosicky gets lucky with a free kick after running down a blind alley.

Sunderland can now revert to their original plan - to play on the break.

What a save but what a chance - Sunderland should be ahead. Sessegnon causing problems.

What a save from Szczesny! Sessegnon dinks a ball to the back post and Cattermole, four yards out gets his head on it before the keeper flies across to block. Brilliant.

Jenkinson wins a corner after rescuing Song's dreadful pass.

Now it is Arsenal wobbling as Mertesacker's poor clearance from a cross nearly falls for Sessegnon.

An absolute beauty into the top corner. Great strike. Sunderland on level terms!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Larsson scores!

Now Arteta goes up for a ball on the edge of the box and handles. Larsson over the free kick.

RVP fouls Cattermole. Sunderland have woken up a little now.

Szczesny comes charging out to get to a ball over the top for Sessegnon, who beat the offside trap. The striker gets round the keeper out to the left and tries to square it but red shirts get back to tidy up.

Song one pass away from slotting Van Persie in. Sunderland looking bereft of confidence.

Arsenal in total control here but they need a second.

A nasty head cut for Vaughan, who leaves to get patched up. Blood rolling down his face.

Mignolet loses the flight of the corner, misses it but Brown on the line nods back to his keeper.

More strong work from Gervinho who gets into the box again and tries to cross but Brown concedes a corner.

Great play from Gervinho to cut in from the left, the box opens up for him just like it did for RVP's goal, but his shot is high and wide. Should have done much better.

RVP and Arteta try a short free kick routine but the Spaniard's return ball is a touch too strong.

Confirmation that RVP's goal was the fastest in the Premier League this season.

Richardson bends a shot wide of the post from 30 yards.

A stray ball from Song ends another nice Arsenal move.

Van Persie is on fire today! Now he twists away from his man before slamming a powerful shot narrowly wide of the post.

That would have been a goal of the season contender. Such a sublime chip and so unlucky not to make it 2-0.

Elmohamady nods over at the near post and Arsenal break, Van Persie turns and executes a delightful chip that loops over the keeper but comes back off the post and rolls along the goalline before it is cleared!

Sunderland win a corner - their first of the game.

Now Walcott gets his head to a deep cross from Arteta but Mignolet catches under his bar.

Gibbs very nearly pokes home at the near post after good work from Gervinho.

Richardson blocks Walcott. Free kick.

Song tries to feed Walcott but Mignolet is out to claim.

One win in their last seven Premier League games for Sunderland. Uphill battle now.

Just what the Gunners needed after that defeat to Spurs last time out.

I bet the last thing Steve Bruce said to his troops was to keep it tight for ten minutes and frustrate the crowd. Got a Plan B, Steve?

Goodness me what a start! It was awful defending from Sunderland - one ball over the top found Gervinho in acres then RVP slalomed inside so easily to place his shot past Mignolet.

What a start! 26 seconds I reckon as Gervinho gets down the left, finds RVP who cuts inside and slots his shot low into the net. Arsenal off and running!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie!

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner is out due to the terms of his loan deal - David Vaughan is in for him. Jack Colback is in for Craig Gardner.

Laurent Koscielny is back for the Gunners, Carl Jenkinson is at right back in the absence of Sagna and Rosicky replaces Aaron Ramsey.

Afternoon all, Arsenal v Sunderland coming up.

So nearly a wonder goal from Arshavin after a lovely dribble into the box and a shot just wide of the far post.

Van Persie crosses to no-one in the box. No Arsenal shirts in there.

Song gives the ball away again. Groans growing louder at the Emirates.

Great tackle on Arshavin from Turner. Arsenal applying the pressure now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Larsson off and Dong-Won Ji for Sunderland - Gervinho off and Arshavin on for Arsenal.

A chance for Van Persie as he turns away from his man and forces Mignolet into a good low save with his feet.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Good move from Arsenal as Walcott cuts the ball back for Arteta but he can't get a shot away, then Koscielny is booked for bumping into Sessegnon.

Walcott's effort is so bad it provokes open derision from the crowd, who are not impressed.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Awful tackle from Brown - very late on Walcott. Another free kick on the box edge for Arsenal.

Jenkinson makes a nice run but his cross is poor. Still, it's a corner.

Arteta's free kick is miles over the bar. Nowhere near Larsson's effort.

O'Shea nods wide from Larsson free kick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Song clips Elmohamady.

Walcott wants a penalty for handball but it would have been very harsh. Richardson was two yards from him.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A booking for Larsson now as he tugs back Van Persie just before he was about to slot a ball in for Walcott.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Santos is on for Gibbs, who is injured, and fires a free kick over the bar for his first involvement.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> First yellow of the game for Vaughan who is late on Rosicky. Great run.

Walcott turns in the area and his deflected shot is saved by Mignolet before Turner hoofs the ball at Cattermole, whose header concedes a corner.

Koscielny finds Van Persie and he wants a corner after Turner closed him down right on the byline but a goal kick is given.

Good tackle from Gibbs to prevent Elmohamady getting away down the right.

A chance on the edge of the box for Song but his shot is blocked.

We begin again....

At least Arsenal fans can take solace in the fact that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/970211/robin-van-persie-asserts-commitment-to-gunners?cc=5739" target="_blank">Robin Van Persie said before the game he is going nowhere</a>.

Arsenal fans saying to journos in the press box this is the worst Gunners team since 1976. Not sure I agree with that one.

<b>HALF TIME</b> An even half but Arsenal should have been streets ahead after Van Persie scored after 26 seconds and then hit the post. Larsson's equaliser superb.

Good chance for Colback as Larsson nods across goal and the youngster volleys over the bar. Poor, poor defending.

Clumsy foul from Mertesacker as he brages into Colback. Before that Koscielny played a risky backpass.

Song wins the second ball but Mignolet is up to claim.

Again Jenkinson gets into space and crosses but Brown knocks it behind.

Better from Arsenal as they work the ball down the right. Jenkinson's cross is cleared.

Great shielding from Koscielny to hold off Colback.

Rosicky gets lucky with a free kick after running down a blind alley.

Sunderland can now revert to their original plan - to play on the break.

What a save but what a chance - Sunderland should be ahead. Sessegnon causing problems.

What a save from Szczesny! Sessegnon dinks a ball to the back post and Cattermole, four yards out gets his head on it before the keeper flies across to block. Brilliant.

Jenkinson wins a corner after rescuing Song's dreadful pass.

Now it is Arsenal wobbling as Mertesacker's poor clearance from a cross nearly falls for Sessegnon.

An absolute beauty into the top corner. Great strike. Sunderland on level terms!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Larsson scores!

Now Arteta goes up for a ball on the edge of the box and handles. Larsson over the free kick.

RVP fouls Cattermole. Sunderland have woken up a little now.

Szczesny comes charging out to get to a ball over the top for Sessegnon, who beat the offside trap. The striker gets round the keeper out to the left and tries to square it but red shirts get back to tidy up.

Song one pass away from slotting Van Persie in. Sunderland looking bereft of confidence.

Arsenal in total control here but they need a second.

A nasty head cut for Vaughan, who leaves to get patched up. Blood rolling down his face.

Mignolet loses the flight of the corner, misses it but Brown on the line nods back to his keeper.

More strong work from Gervinho who gets into the box again and tries to cross but Brown concedes a corner.

Great play from Gervinho to cut in from the left, the box opens up for him just like it did for RVP's goal, but his shot is high and wide. Should have done much better.

RVP and Arteta try a short free kick routine but the Spaniard's return ball is a touch too strong.

Confirmation that RVP's goal was the fastest in the Premier League this season.

Richardson bends a shot wide of the post from 30 yards.

A stray ball from Song ends another nice Arsenal move.

Van Persie is on fire today! Now he twists away from his man before slamming a powerful shot narrowly wide of the post.

That would have been a goal of the season contender. Such a sublime chip and so unlucky not to make it 2-0.

Elmohamady nods over at the near post and Arsenal break, Van Persie turns and executes a delightful chip that loops over the keeper but comes back off the post and rolls along the goalline before it is cleared!

Sunderland win a corner - their first of the game.

Now Walcott gets his head to a deep cross from Arteta but Mignolet catches under his bar.

Gibbs very nearly pokes home at the near post after good work from Gervinho.

Richardson blocks Walcott. Free kick.

Song tries to feed Walcott but Mignolet is out to claim.

One win in their last seven Premier League games for Sunderland. Uphill battle now.

Just what the Gunners needed after that defeat to Spurs last time out.

I bet the last thing Steve Bruce said to his troops was to keep it tight for ten minutes and frustrate the crowd. Got a Plan B, Steve?

Goodness me what a start! It was awful defending from Sunderland - one ball over the top found Gervinho in acres then RVP slalomed inside so easily to place his shot past Mignolet.

What a start! 26 seconds I reckon as Gervinho gets down the left, finds RVP who cuts inside and slots his shot low into the net. Arsenal off and running!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie!

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner is out due to the terms of his loan deal - David Vaughan is in for him. Jack Colback is in for Craig Gardner.

Laurent Koscielny is back for the Gunners, Carl Jenkinson is at right back in the absence of Sagna and Rosicky replaces Aaron Ramsey.

Afternoon all, Arsenal v Sunderland coming up.