Arsenal 0 - 0 Sunderland: Hold Off on the Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth

Photo: Toby Melville/Reuters

It was a frustrating start to the Premier League season for Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon as Sunderland stubbornly defended in numbers and held the Gunners to a 0 - 0 draw. No doubt some already jaded Gooners are pondering if the stuttering Arsenal attack on display yesterday is what they can look forward to this season without RVP. Granted dropping 2 points at home, on opening day to a team Arsenal should have little trouble against annoys me a great deal, but I still tried to take a measured approach in assessing yesterday's result. There are some positives that can be taken from the Gunners' performance. Besides, it is still early days to pass judgement on the offense.

The brightest spot for Arsenal in the match was no doubt Santi Cazorla. He was composed in possession, saw the field extremely well and was Arsenal's only real creative force. He also pushed forward into space well and was not shy about taking shots, forcing Sunderland 'keeper Mignolet to make a particularly good save in the fifth minute. Gervinho also looked quite dangerous during the match. His speed down the wing and determination to get behind the defense remain impressive as ever. But like last season, at times it seems Gervinho is too indecisive with his shot or too imprecise with his final pass. Olivier Giroud was active and involved almost from the moment he was substituted into the game. He used his size, power and aerial ability well. His runs were intelligent and if only his finishing had been sharper, Arsenal may have been able to pull out the win. I cannot fail to recognize Abou Diaby, who put in 69 injury-free minutes of midfield work and produced some bright moments including testing Mignolet with a good effort from just outside the penalty area. With any luck, this is just the beginning of a long, healthy run in the first team for Diaby.

Supporters need to remember, this Arsenal attack is a work in progress. It cannot come as a shock if the forwards are not match-sharp this early in the season. Arsène Wenger stated after the game that without quick, sharp passing, breaking down a team that defends as well as Sunderland becomes a difficult proposition. The offense just needs time to work together. The players have the quality and they have already struck up an understanding on the pitch. Once their play jumps up a level to that fluid, precision passing game Gooners have come to expect, the goals will come.


Cheers
-Mike