FA Cup
Result: Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Date: 09 January 2016
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup, after securing a 3-1 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.
Sunderland got off to an encouraging start, with Jeremain Lens going close with an effort from 20-yards out, which had Cech diving across his line.
Keiran Gibbs then went close for Arsenal in the eight minute, the full-back burst into the box, before forcing Sunderland debutant goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, into a good stop.
It was the visitors who broke the deadlock after 17 minutes, as Jeremain Lens dispossessed Laurent Koscielny, before rifling the ball past Petr Cech from a tight angle.
Arsenal were level in the 25th minute when Theo Walcott weaved his into the box to tee up Joel Campbell, who slotted into the bottom corner from 12-yards out.
That proved to be the last bit of goal-mouth action, as the sides went into the break level at 1-1.
Arsene Wenger's men nearly restored their lead in the 57th minute, as Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain cut inside before rattling the upright with a curling effort.
The woodwork then denied Sunderland two minutes later, as Steven Fletcher's towering header crashed onto crossbar, before Duncan Watmore blazed over from the rebound.
Arsenal introduced Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta for the final 20 minutes, as they searched for the go-ahead goal.
Wenger's substitution paid off, as Hector Bellerin played a one-two with Giroud, before teeing up Ramsey for the tap-in from six-yards out.
The Gunners added a third goal in the 76th minute. Bellerin was the provider once again, as he picked out Giroud, who slotted home at the far post.
Giroud nearly got his second and Arsenal's fourth in the 83rd minute but Pickford produced a fine save to keep out the striker's towering header.
Arsenal managed to see out the remaining stages with relative ease to secure the win and advance to the next round.
