Sunderland 1 Arsenal 3 – Too ‘Özil’y for Black Cats

Ozil proved his worth in his debut

Sunderland 1 (Gardner 48 (pen)) – 3 Arsenal (Giroud 11, Ramsey 67, 76)

Man of the Match - Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

It was not smooth sailing as Arsenal got past Sunderland 3-1, in a game that will most be remembered for the debut of Arsenal’s record signing Mesut Özil, who put on a classy performance in midfield.

The German started in midfield, with Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky both ruled out. With Per Mertesacker ill, Bacary Sagna was handed the captain’s armband and played at centre-back alongside Laurent Koscielny.

As Mikel Arteta was still ruled out, Mathieu Flamini was handed his first start in his second spell at the club.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski still checked in on the injured list, Arsenal named a youthful bench, comprising Chuba Akpom, Emmanuel Frimpong, Ryo Miyachi and Serge Gnabry. Thomas Vermaelen made his return from injury and was named on the bench as well.

Arsenal were looking fluid early on, and it didn’t take long for Özil to create an impression. A long ball played from the back, was brilliantly controlled by the German, and he set it up for Olivier Giroud, to slot it past Westwood. It was the Frenchman’s 5th goal this season, and he seems to be in great nick at the moment.

Samba Diakite’s shot hit the bar, before Theo Walcott’s wastefulness cost Arsenal a 2-0 lead. Having been put clean through by Özil, with only Westwood to beat, the England striker only managed to draw a save.

USA international Jozy Altidore was proving to be a tricky customer with his physical presence, and he forced a rasping save from Szczesny. Theo Walcott headed in off a Wilshere cross, but it went wide. Walcott had another chance, when he was deftly set up by Giroud, but again found an inspired keeper in his way.