Arsenal vs Sunderland Post Match: Score Masks Uneasiness

FINAL: Arsenal vs Sunderland, 2-0

This is not a good Arsenal squad. It just isn’t. Matched up against 18th place Sunderland, fresh off a 8-0 stomping to Hull City, the Gunners were favorites to put another licking on display at the Stadium of Light, but the 2-0 score is deceptive of how the game actually went.

Both goals, via the foot of Alexis Sanchez, were gifted to Arsenal by mistakes by Wes Brown and Vito Mannone. In attacks that Arsenal orchestrated, there was zero threat on goal. Controlling possession is nice and all but their is no finishing product for the Gunners. It didn’t help that Arteta and Flamini both started, and combined they have about as much creativity as a burnt out light bulb.

The quality of players they deploy on the pitch does not in any way match the skill they show on the field.

Without the mistakes from Sunderland, this finishes 0-0. It’s that simple.

Something has to change. Theo Walcott may be coming back at just the right time because his runs and creativity could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Santi Cazorla looked like he was kicking a ball for the first time. Gibbs went down with another injury, the Ox was on and off and even Sanchez looked frustrated at times. The only positive performances that I can think back on were Per Mertesacker and Calum Chambers, who were absolute rocks at the back and kept Arsenal anchored.

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I understand that injuries have ravaged the squad yet again, but top tier clubs like Arsenal should not be completely derailed by injuries. They still have world class players, and while they should have more, the quality of players they deploy on the pitch does not in any way match the skill they show on the field.

The finishing touch is lacking, the passing is way off and it’s becoming a nuisance to watch. I’m not sure what Arsenal work on during training, but something has to change.

Player Ratings here.

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