Wenger has the treble in his sights
Magical Ox helps Gunners ease past plucky Black Cats
FOR Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, the Treble is on. The FA Cup holders, winners in 2014 and again in 2015, are on course for a unique hat-trick.
It was inspired by the magical boots of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, delivering a masterful performance from his favoured position in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield. He oozed class.
When he plays like this, OxladeChamberlain can make your eyes water. This third-round tie revolved around his clever touches.
In the move that led to Arsenal’s third goal, his lofted, long pass with the outside of his right boot and into the path of Hector Bellerin racing down the wing was dreamy stuff.
‘Oxlade-Chamberlain became stronger as the game went, but I must say he was particularly strong in the second half,’ said manager Wenger.
They will need more of this, players reaching their peak at they chase honours in three separate competitions — Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup — this season.
It had taken the introduction of Aaron Ramsey, a 67th-minute replacement for Alex Iwobi, to chivvy Arsenal along and make sure of their place in the next round.
They fell behind to a Jeremain Lens goal in the first half but equalised when Joel Campbell scored from close range.
Thereafter, Arsenal took control, with Ramsey putting Arsenal ahead in the 72nd minute and Olivier Giroud rounded off another stellar performance with the clincher.
The result suits both teams, with league leaders Arsenal travelling to Liverpool on Wednesday without worrying about a replay at the Stadium of Light.
Struggling Sunderland will attempt to sweat this result out at Swansea in midweek, before heading to Tottenham for their third successive fixture on the road.
‘By the time we play at Tottenham, a 12.45 kick off on Saturday, we will have done 1,800 miles in three away games,’ said boss Sam Allardyce.
‘Let’s see how many first team players there are in the FA Cup [at Oxford] on Sunday because if I was [Swansea boss] Alan Curtis I wouldn’t play my first team, but then I’m not Alan.’
Defeat has done Sunderland a favour, giving them a straight 18game run to save their hides in the Premier League. Even with seven changes from the team that beat Aston Villa last weekend, Allardyce’s side played a daring and adventurous game at the Emirates.
They were rewarded with the 17thminute opener. A defensive mix-up saw Kieran Gibbs lose control of the ball, Laurent Koscielny tried to turn on the edge of his area and Lens stepped in to punish them.
The Dutchman has earned a badboy reputation since his move from Dynamo Kiev, but he delivered a classy and encouraging performance yesterday.
Black Cats keeper Jordan Pickford, making his debut for the club he has been with since the age of eight, was excellent, too. Saves from Gibbs, Theo Walcott and Giroud will all be on the highlights reel. ‘He looks the part, he’s a Sunderland lad and he’s got a bright future,’ added Allardyce.
‘His parents dedicated their life to Sunderland, bringing him to the academy four nights a week. Vito Mannone will play at Swansea, but after that who knows?’
There was nothing he could do to prevent Arsenal’s equaliser, beaten by Campbell when Iwobi set Walcott free down the left. His cut-back was finished off by Campbell.
The second half was a free-for-all, but Ramsey’s introduction changed the game when he spirited his way into the area to connect with Bellerin’s teasing cut back. ‘Don’t forget he’s only 20,’ added Wenger.
There was time for another when Giroud slotted home, finishing off a sweeping move that began when Oxlade-Chamberlain spotted the bounding run of Bellerin. The Arsenal full-back is turning into a combination of Cafu and Dani Alves with those steaming runs. He is some player.
Bellerin’s angled pass was met by Giroud who timed his run well and beat Pickford with a clinical finish at the far post.
‘We have won it twice and we have the desire to do well in it,’ added Wenger. ‘We want to win it.’
When they play like this, they have every chance.