BBC Newcastle
Ex-Sunderland defender Gary Bennett at the Stadium of Light

"This is a lot better from Sunderland but they still just need a bit more composure in possession. Keep the ball, get a feel of it. Khazri is full of energy." 

A lapse of concentration from Aaron Ramsey is pounced upon by Wahbi Khazri as the Arsenal midfielder is slow to react to a throw in and Khazri pounces on the loose ball before smashing an effort at goal. A deflection sends it behind for a corner, from which Lee Cattermole drives just wide. Encouraging stuff for Sunderland fans. 

Image source, Reuters

Ian Funnell: Big game for Ramsey now Wilshere is back in the squad. He needs to start dictating games in midfield.

Dennis Ethan: Defoe going to cause Arsenal all sorts of problems today C'mon Black Cats! Let's beat the drop!

So far so good for Sunderland. Arsenal, probably as expected, are dominating possession but they haven't given the Black Cats defence too much to worry about just yet.

Image source, Reuters

Tim, London: Trouble with Arsenal is Wenger - same problems and issues every season. Lack of leadership, lack of physicality, slump when the pressure comes on, lack of alternatives. If Wenger cant win his way, he doesn't want to win.

BBC Newcastle
Ex-Sunderland defender Gary Bennett at the Stadium of Light

"Arsenal have started the game brightly. They're very, very crisp in their passing. Sunderland are working hard off the ball but keep giving it away when they do get it."

Arsenal are getting a little closer now. 

First, Alexis Sanchez's smart lob puts Olivier Giroud through. Both the bounce and angle are awkward but the striker does well to get a shot off and force Vito Mannone to push behind for a corner. Per Mertesacker meets the set pieces with a header, but well held by Mannone.

First corner of the game and it goes Sunderland's way. It's played short to Patrick van Aanholt, who lofts a pass to no-one in particular in the Arsenal box. Chance gone.

BBC Newcastle
Ex-Sunderland defender Gary Bennett at the Stadium of Light

"Beating Arsenal's going to be a tough job but Sunderland are capable of doing it. Trying to break up the away side's passing game will be really hard. 

"Alex Iwobi's break forward shows just what the Gunners do best - lovely little one-two passes."

Sunderland certainly look keen to pick up from where they left off when they beat Norwich 3-0. They are quick to close down Arsenal in these early stages but as soon as they let their concentration slip, Arsenal almost pounce as Alex Iwobi flashes an effort just wide from outside the area.

Duncan Evans: Has any Arsenal fan considered that without Wenger you might be fighting it out for Europa? Ungrateful bunch.

Nick, Calne: Wenger bought the players. This might be the best they can do. If that's the case he has to go.   

Image source, Reuters

And we are off!

Good news, Sunderland fans, you are as of this minute out of the relegation zone. Will that still be the case at full time?

The players are out on the pitch. Just three minutes until the first Premier League game of the day gets under way.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "I am very pleased because Jack Wilshere didn't play all season but he at least comes back."

Asked whether he'd like to bring Wilshere on at some point: "Yes, but you cannot plan that. Today is a real fight. Just to be back in the squad again is a big lift, if there is a possibility why not?"

Image source, Fifa/Instagram

Now I'm no expert in reading expressions, especially dog expressions, but this little fella does not look happy to be decked out in a Sunderland cap and scarf.

I almost forgot Olivier Giroud was playing against West Brom on Thursday. Pressure must surely be on him to grab a goal today?

Chris Green,Huddersfield: I too find it undisputedly bewildering that Arsenal fans would be satisfied with a finish outside the top four to just force Wenger out of the club. I don't think Wenger is the one to blame for the Gunners' unachievements - it should be the players. The north London club's squad just hasn't performed to their maximum enough, and this group of players do have the capabilities to do better.

Image source, Reuters

Who says it is grim up north? While London Marathon runners have had to cope with a drizzly day and even a bit of sleet, it is sunny in Sunderland.

Arsene Wenger has just popped out to check out the pitch and his players warming up. He seems happy enough with what he has seen. 

Alexis Sanchez could be key today. He has been in scintillating form recently, bagging five goals in as many games. Can't help but think Wenger wishes he had turned on the style a month or too earlier though.