Sunderland vs. Arsenal

Right I thought I might start putting my own game reports here for the SAFC games I attend (and maybe the odd other game)so we'll kick things off with today's visit form the Gunners.

From the first whistle Sunderland started brightly, pushing Arsenal back and denying them the time and space to slip into their dangerous passing rhythm. Egyption winger Ahmed Elmohamady in particular was causing problems for Arsenal breaking down the touchline and winning the vast majority of balls that came his way in the air. On loan Danny Welbeck also looked sharp.

With Arsenal not clicking into gear they caught a lucky break when Cesc Fabregas closed down a clearance from Anton Ferdinand and so the ball come back off him and loop some 40yards over a stranded 'keeper to give the London side the lead.

However from here Arsenal failed to really take control of the game and most of the play and pressure was coming from a spirited Sunderland. But for all the possession a clear cut chance to level the scores couldn't be created and the half chance that were made were not taken.

Into the second half and Arsenal looked to impose themselves on the game, coming close to adding a 2nd goal to their tally through Arshavin and Chamakh but were reduced to ten men as Song saw red after picking up a 2nd yellow card for a cynical block on Sunderland's Malbranque.

Still having no doubt been given a earful at half time Arsenal's passing was back to close to it's quick and dangerous best, often putting the Black Cats on the back foot as Sunderland pressed for an equaliser.

An Arsenal penalty seemed to signal a win for the London club but Rosicky (on for Fabregas) blazed over giving renewed hope to his opposition. The final fifteen minutes of the game was open with both sides looking threatening as Arsenal broke whenever Sunderland pressure broke down.

Deep into injury time Darren Bent finally secured a deserved point for the Wearside team pouncing on a failed clearance in the box to smash home with pretty much the last kick of the game.



I'd pick out Elmohamady as Sunderland's man of the match for his work down the wing (putting in a number of dangerous crosses) and willingness to keep running to the very last. Slightly under pas was Jordan Henderson who wasted a number of corners but Danny Welback lucks a promising acquisition for the year and acknowledge must go to Titus Bramble who was once again solid and the back.