Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal: Five talking points

5) Sunderland strikers need better support from the midfield –

Jack Wilshere (C) vies with Sunderland’s striker Steven Fletcher (R) during the match between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light

Frustrated by the events of the match and a goal being disallowed, Paolo Di Canio went on full ballistic mode in the dying minutes of the game, ranting it out at the ref, which saw him being sent off from the technical area.

The passion that Di Canio exhibited in those few minutes seems to be absent from the Black Cats midfield. The introduction of Craig Gardner and 20 minutes of resurgence of the Sunderland team saw the Arsenal box raided minute after minute.

Sunderland’s possession of decent enough attacking options was demonstrated in those 20 minutes when they scored 1 goal and were disallowed 2. One due to offside, and the other harshly rolled back by Martin Atkinson even when goal line technology confirmed it as a goal.

Jozy Altidore provided the physical presence while Steven Fletcher was a constant threat up ahead for Sunderland. But losing the battles in midfield did no good to Sunderland.

The Gunners midfield totally outclassed and outmatched the home side’s midfield. If Sunderland can upheave the performances of their midfield, there is every chance they would do better in the season. Not to forget the Italian international Giaccherini who was missing from the side today.