Gunners fire back

Posted Sunday, February 21, 2010 by PA

Striker Nicklas Bendtner scored a first-half tap-in and Cesc Fabregas an injury-time penalty as Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph in the Premier League.

After the disappointment of their Champions League first leg defeat against Porto in midweek, Arsenal produced a vibrant performance as goals in each half secured the win.

Sunderland were not without opportunities, however, Kenwyne Jones in particular guilty of some poor finishing.

Quite how Sunderland went in only one goal down in the first half is a mystery - though George McCartney was part of the reason, deflecting one Samir Nasri shot over the crossbar and then diverting Bendtner's left-foot blast on to the bar and away to safety.

The opening goal came courtesy of a slaloming run from Emmanuel Eboue which ended with a precision pass across the box to pick out Bendtner loitering in space at the far post. The Dane may have scored easier goals but it is doubtful.

Fraizer Campbell brought a fine save from Manuel Almunia and Jones somehow failed to score when clean through with only the keeper to beat.

But Steve Bruce's side were thoroughly out-played and were also somewhat fortunate to finish with a full complement after captain Lorik Cana launched a two-footed tackle which felled Eboue.

The second half was more of the same. Theo Walcott brought a fine save from Craig Gordon, Thomas Vermaelen tested the Sunderland goalkeeper with a free-kick pile-driver and chances were made and squandered.

Arsenal almost paid the price - and would have done were it not for the quick thinking of Almunia, who raced out to smother a Darren Bent shot when the striker was clean through.

But in injury-time, Fabregas was brought down by Campbell on the edge of the area and got up to rap home Arsenal's second from the spot.