Today on a beautiful pitch at the glorious Emirates Stadium was the start of the Premier League season for both Arsenal and Sunderland, Arsenal went into the game without Robin Van Persie & Alex Song who was on his way to Barcelona, but had new signings Lukas Podolski & Santi Carzola both starting while Olivier Giroud was on the bench.

Sunderland however were without Wes Brown through injury but did have new signing Carlos Cuellar starting and Louis Saha on the bench.

From the kick off Arsenal looked the stronger side with chances from Carzola, Diaby & Podolski all missing the goal, Sunderland were playing very well defensively and had a few counter attacks during the first half, Arsenal looked comfortable and it looked like they would find a goal but Sunderland made sure they with a splendid second half performance through the back four.

Giroud, Arshavin & Ramsey were introduced but they couldn’t find a breakthrough, neither could Sunderland when Saha, Elmohamaddy & Heyler. Arsenal will be dissapointed not to have won the game especially when they had 70% of possession, however Sunderland manager Martin O Neil should be very pleased with his side.

My man of the match award today goes to Santi Cazorla, he was brilliant on and off the ball, he created man y great chances for others and Arsene Wenger will be very pleased with his efforts.

Next for Arsenal is a trip away to Stoke, while Sunderland will host Reading, good luck to both!