Arsenal have moved to within one point of Premier League leaders Chelsea with a 4-1 win against Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.
The home side dominated possession during the opening exchanges, but the Black Cats kept a good shape and made it hard for their opponents.
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However, Jack Wilshere was given too much room in midfield and found Tomas Rosicky, who in turn played it to Olivier Giroud in the penalty area. The striker then calmly rolled the ball past an advancing Vito Mannone.
Mannone was involved again, pushing away Santi Cazorla's effort after good play by Nacho Monreal.
Sunderland recovered from their shaky start with a rare venture forward with just under 20 minutes played. Ki Sung-Yueng picked out Marcos Alonso down the left flank and the Spaniard curled in a low cross.
After the ball deflected off Laurent Koscielny, Wojciech Szczesny made a decent save to keep the Gunners ahead.
Despite Sunderland's recent strong run of form, they shot themselves in the foot to gift Arsenal a second goal. Santiago Vergini attempted to give the ball to Mannone, but Giroud pounced and tapped home.
Rosicky then made it three just before the end of the first half with a deft finish over Mannone.
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Gus Poyet's men started well in the second half, with Fabio Borini forcing a save from Szczesny. However, more shocking defending by the visitors resulted in Laurent Koscielny running away from his marker Phillip Bardsley to head in.
Mannone kept out Serge Gnabry's late effort, but Sunderland managed to grab a late consolation thanks to Emanuele Giaccherini's long-range shot.
Gary Peters
