Published: 19, September, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger believes fans have seen a new side to the team following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory away at Sunderland on Saturday.

Oliver Giroud’s opener at the Stadium of Light was cancelled out by Craig Gardner’s penalty three minutes into the second half, leading to a 20-minute spell of consistent pressure from Paolo di Canio’s team.

Aaron Ramsey’s superb volley in the 67th minute helped the Gunners regain the initiative before another cool finish from the Welshman nine minutes later settled the tie. Wenger was pleased to see his side come away with a win after describing the second half as a “backs to the wall” challenge.
“We’ve seen another aspect of our game, that’s mental resources and the ability to dig out a victory,” said the boss. “It was a very important win f

or us. In the first half I felt that we played outstandingly well but we didn’t take our chances. And then five minutes into the second half it was 1-1 and it was backs to the wall a little bit because we dropped physically.”

Saturday’s win was Arsenal’s seventh successive away victory in the Premier League and Wenger heaped praise on his players for the consistency they have shown on their travels.

“We play without fear, with confidence, with desire to dictate the game… The quality of our collective play is very good.

“We can keep the ball and that’s very important away from home.”