Gunners revive league campaign

Olivier Giroud scored at both ends as Arsenal returned to winning ways and moved up to second in the Premier League table.

The Gunners had taken just two points out of a possible nine from their previous three league games but goals from Giroud, Joel Campbell and Aaron Ramsey ensured it would be a happy day for the hosts.

Arsenal were able to take advantage of Manchester City's surprise 2-0 loss at Stoke and are now just two points behind leaders Leicester. It was a much-needed result, especially after the recent injury blows to key duo Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla.

Sunderland had a chance to open the scoring after just five minutes but Fabio Borini's strike was comfortably saved by Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal.

Duncan Watmore sent his header off target as Sunderland continued to create chances, while Cech had to be alert to keep out a shot that had come off Mathieu Flamini on its way to goal.

But it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock after a perfectly-weighted through ball from the in-form Mesut Ozil found Campbell in the box, and the Costa Rican calmly slotted the ball beyond Costel Pantilimon.

Sunderland levelled matters on the stroke of half-time when Yann M'Vila's free-kick was sliced into his own net by Giroud. But Arsenal could've restored their lead soon after, only for Aaron Ramsey's shot to hit the side netting. At that point I did wonder whether it was going to be one of those days but fortunately we were able to see the game off in the second half.

The visitors almost took the lead shortly before the hour mark but Cech was on hand to turn Steven Fletcher's drive round a post. From the resulting corner, Cech made a fine point-blank save to keep Fletcher out from close range.

Those saves proved crucial as Arsenal weathered the storm before taking the lead through Giroud after 64 minutes. The French striker made amends for his earlier own goal by getting on the end of Ramsey's curling cross to head the ball home.

Arsenal tried to extend their advantage but substitute Theo Walcott sent his shot off target, Hector Bellerin's effort was blocked and Giroud's header was cleared off the line by DeAndre Yedlin.

Ramsey's acrobatic effort was comfortably saved by Pantilimon and those wasted chances almost came back to bite Arsenal two minutes from time. Jack Rodwell's fine through ball found Patrick van Aanholt but, fortunately for Arsenal, the defender fired his shot over the bar.

As the game entered injury time, Ramsey shot straight at Pantilimon but the Welsh midfielder had better luck next time, bundling home from close range after Calum Chambers' initial effort had been blocked.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Sunderland fan Shaun Clewes admitted that poor finishing cost his side in a game he felt could have gone the other way.

"I thought we were very unlucky to leave without a point," said Clewes. "We have been much more organised at the back in recent weeks.

"Yedlin was caught napping for the first goal but we produced a number of chances. But our finishing let us down."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Considering the way our league results had gone with no wins in three before this one, I was delighted to see us take all three points from a potential banana-skin game against Sunderland.

Whether or not we are serious title challengers remains to be seen as there is still plenty of the season left to go. There have been some great signs and some poor signs this season so it is hard to call and I think it will come down to how well we cope with our recent spate of injuries, and how Arsene Wenger uses the January transfer window.

Being just two points behind the leaders at this stage of the season is still decent though so let's wait and see how the next few weeks unfold.

Focus must now immediately turn to the Champions League and our make or break clash in Greece against Olympiakos, which will decide whether or not we progress or exit this year's competition. Here's to a miracle in Athens!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS