The sight of Alexis Sanchez squeezing the fourth goal was the final nail in the coffin at the Stadium of Light. As the cameras zoomed in on the mass exodus of fans, Moyes was left with more questions than answers. A score line of 4-1 in favour of the Gunners left a familiar sinking feeling among the Black Cat supporters.
Such was the one-sidedness of the game that Olivier Giroud who came on for Alex Iwobi in the 70th minute managed to score a brace (his first touch was the goal to put his side ahead).
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Sunderland did show their battling abilities at the start of the second half and managed to pull a goal back through a Jermaine Defoe penalty. However, that was the only flicker of hope on offer for the Sunderland fans on the day.
The match also saw a total of 7 bookings. Sunderland picked up a total of five yellow cards while Arsenal picked up two with goal keeper, Cech receiving one of them. At least, from a statistical perspective, Sunderland were able to beat Arsenal on the yellow card account.
Here are 5 talking points from the game:
#1 Sanchez as the lone striker reposed the faith of Arsene Wenger
Before the game, this author had the chance to read Amy Lawrence’s piece on Alexis Sanchez and the need for Arsene to ration his best player. Given the exuberance that the Chilean possesses, it is often difficult for the Arsenal manager to haul off the player.
Arsene who knows a bit about football is aware that the season is a long one and it is understandable why he would like to protect his prized asset. The recurring theme of injuries hampering the Gunners campaign has made the Frenchman wary this term. With a squad strong enough to challenge for the Premier League this term, it only makes sense for the veteran manager to substitute the Chilean once the game is in the bag.
On Saturday though, Arsene granted Sanchez, the full 90 minutes to terrorize the Black Cats defense. And Sunderland obliged as well, with Sanchez scoring a brace, the first from a lovely diving header before rounding things off, with a poked finish - the fourth and final goal of the game.
As per the evidence offered, it is only going to get difficult for Arsene to convince the Chilean that “resting” is also a necessity.
#2 Black Cats defend like kittens
Ahead of this game, Sunderland had been showing signs of steady improvement. Though the Black Cats had lost their previous three games, the manner of defeat had instilled a certain hope among supporters.
Arsenal were supposed to be another litmus test. Sunderland started the game off in a robust manner trying to impose themselves on the game through a physical presence. Nevertheless, this Arsenal side this season have become more resolute and played through that phase to eventually take the lead.
Sunderland did start off well, but the loss of John O’Shea seemed to affect them as the match progressed. Sunderland’s defence disappeared at the slightest hint of aggression and that resulted in the last three goals of the game. Moyes needs to get the team defending much better if he is to entertain any hopes of survival.
#3 Giroud the impact substitute
Coming on in the last 20 minutes after an injury layoff and scoring a brace was all in a day’s work for Olivier Giroud. Alex Iwobi’s replacement had been on the pitch only for a minute when the ball found its way to him. Finding himself with such a tempting offer, the striker volleyed in Gibbs’ cross to give Arsenal the lead.
Swiftly, Giroud was on hand to score his second of the game as well, this time taking advantage of a sluggish Djilobodji to head an Ozil corner home. It had only been seven minutes and he had scored twice, no wonder there was a smile on the Frenchman’s face.
Pat Nevin, the ex-Chelsea winger even stated on BBC Radio 5, that the manner in which Giroud got across the defenders does make him the best in the business. The Arsenal manager when quizzed about Giroud was also very thrifty with his compliments on the striker’s performance stating, “The manager has an easy credit when he has quality players on the bench and you don't need to be a special manager to make this decision.”
#4 Moyes running out of time
Time is a commodity which every manager appointed at a Premier Club is promised but very hardly given. Most fans of the club have belief in the Sunderland manager, but at the end of the game, Moyes stated, “The players are doing their best, but you will only ever be judged by your results.”
These are ominous words so early in the season. Having equalled the worst start to the season, Moyes sure has to start getting his team into order. A befuddled defence and poor marking resulted in the goals rather than brilliant football by Arsenal.
With two points on the board, Moyes now has 28 fixtures to target the traditional figure of 40 points to be safe. Sunderland’s next two fixtures are against Bournemouth and Hull City. Moyes will hope the upcoming fixtures will produce more desirable results rather than the rout on Saturday.
#5 Arsenal deservedly go top of the league
The 4-1 rout for Arsenal ensured that the Gunners go top at least for a couple of hours. The Gunners currently are also the leading goal scorers in the league having scored 23 already this season.
An array of goal scoring options and a solid midfield has ensured that this Arsenal side has recovered very nicely from the opening day defeat. However, much sterner challenges await the Gunners with games against Tottenham and Manchester United yet to come.
Arsenal will hope to prove their doubters wrong this time around. The added presence of Mustafi and Xhaka(suspended for the time being) have surely put the steel into the side. Wenger will hope the steel in the team will help them steal the title ahead of the other sides.
