By Alan Duffy
Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland – Premier League – 22nd February 2014
Arsenal bounced back from their midweek defeat against Bayern Munich to secure a well deserved 4-1 win against Sunderland. Mesut Ozil was not included in the match squad, apparently due to injury, but French hitman Olivier Giroud was back in action after a difficult period in the tabloids spotlight. However, the Frenchman was 100% focused and was rewarded for a fine display with a brace and an assist. His first goal came after good work from Jack Wilshere while the second, a clinical left-footed finish, was set up courtesy of a horror back-pass from Santiago Vergini. Another star on the day, Tomas Rosicky made it 3-0 before half-time after a magnificent team goal as the Black Cats struggled to get a foot in the game.
After the break an unmarked Laurent Koscielny headed home a fourth from a corner before the visitors nabbed a consolation goal, courtesy of a fine effort from Emanuele Giaccherini. Arsenal stay well in the hunt for the title while Gus Poyet’s side need to step up a gear ahead of their Capital One Cup final against Man City next week.
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Photos: PA
Highlights: FootyTube