Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal: Five talking points

4) Beat Laurent Koscielny, get a penalty –

Laurent Koscielny (L) vies with Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher (R) during the match between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light

Laurent Koscielny is a great interceptor of ball and a solid presence in the Arsenal defence, but only till the time he can see the opposition forward approaching him.

Koscielny really hates to be outrun. If Koscielny is chasing the ball, or if the forward has just beaten him and run forward, it becomes a matter of concern.

Not because the opposition player is now charging towards the goal, but more so because there is a sinking feeling that Koscielny is going to slide in and bring him down in the box.

Not to dismiss the fact, that last ditch defending is one of the greatest assets of the best of the defenders, but in the context of Koscielny, his attempts of that last ditch tackle prove more costly to Arsenal than beneficial in most cases.

2 penalties and a red card in 3 EPL games so far should be enough to drive home the point. The tackle to bring down Adam Johnson yesterday was quite unnecessary as the pacey winger was moving away from the goal and there was cover present in the form of Kieran Gibbs.