Arsenal and Arsene Wenger were under the media microscope again last night, after a 2-0 defeat to the hands of Sunderland in the FA Cup. The Gunners now face a seventh season without a trophy unless they can turn around a 4-0 deficit in their Champions League campaign. The Arsenal boss heavily critisied his team after their mid-week humiliation in Milan and labelled the defeat as 'a disaster'.
Consequently, yesterday's FA Cup fifth round tie had added importance for the Gunners, but they crashed out of the cup after a first-half strike from Kieran Richardson and a late own goal from Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsene Wenger's men were deservedly beaten by a motivated and well-organised Sunderland side; rejuvenated since Martin O'Neill's arrival.
The Black Cats allowed Arsenal no space and no time on the ball and were disciplined to their 4-5-1 formation. Arsenal pressed in the early stages but were reduced to only one meanigful effort from Gervinho. Sunderland took the lead just before half-time when a Sebastian Larsson costless kick was only partially cleared. A driven shot from Kieran Richardson found it's way into the bottom corner via a deflection off Sebastian Squillaci. The Frenchman having come on in the 10th minute to replace the injured Coquelin.
The injury crisis continued straight after the restart when Ramsay was unable to shake off an ankle knock. Squillaci was also subsituted forcing Alex Song to become Djourou's third central defensive partner of the evening. Not good news, especially after Mertesacker was ruled out for the season early in the week..
Simon Mingolet's goal was rarely threatened by the Arsenal front line, denied not only by a rampant Sunderland performance but their own lack of creativity. 'The King' no longer here to call on.
Arsenal's fate was sealed 10 minutes from the end. A tireless Stephane Sessegnon picked the ball up on the half-way line and charged at the vulnerable Arsenal defence. He slipped the ball into Larsson, whose shot hit the post before eventually been bundled in by Oxlade-Chamberlain on the line. The young sensation can count himself unlucky, as his own hard working attitude got him there in the first place.
Arsene Wenger's side leave the Stadium of Light with their tails between their legs. A resurgent performance was expected after the drubbing in Milan, but fans witnessed a lack-luster performance that craved leadership.
The future of Arsene Wenger comes under greater scrutiny today, with the Daily Mail suggesting that Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola could be ready to step in.
It certainly wouldn't surprise many if a change was implemented. The Frenchman stares at an apparent seventh season without a trophy, and failure to qualify for next season's Champions League campaign surely begs for serious questions to be answered.