Welcome to our LIVE coverage of Arsenal v Sunderland. Kick off is at 3.00pm.

Arshavin is caught well offside. The Russian is sporting a trendy new haircut, but is still pulling the same old funny facial expressions.

Nine of Arsenal’s last 15 Premier League goals have been scored by Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has provided an assist on two of the remaining six, meaning that he has played a part in 11 of the Gunners’ last 15 league goals. He is missing due to injury today. (Infostrada)

Gael Clichy flashes in a low ball for Bendtner, who just can't get a touch on it. Bacary Sagna keeps the move alive and gives the ball to Samir Nasri, but Arsenal's captain for the day curls in a shot that's an easy save for Mignolet.

Bendtner takes Andrei Arshavin's pass in his stride but the second touch rebounds off his shin and through to Simon Mignolet in the Sunderland goal.

Kieran Richardson tries to weave his way through the defence and wins another corner for Sunderland, from the left this time. It's low to the near post and breaks loose inside the box! The ball is half-cleared and Phil Bardsley's shot from range is fired wide of the near post. Szczesny had that covered.

Djourou plays a long diagonal ball up to Nicklas Bendtner, who brings it down well on his chest but John Mensah and Anton Ferdinand double-team the Dane and force him into conceding the goal kick.

Asamoah Gyan feels he was fouled by Johan Djourou, but referee Anthony Taylor waves play on.

Decent early showing here from Sunderland. They are not letting the Gunners get into their rhythm.

Arsenal have won only three of seven Premier League matches without Cesc Fabregas this season (43%) and 14 of their 20 matches with him playing (70%). (Infostrada)

Confident early showing from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who claims the corner with authority. He'll be under the spotlight this afternoon following his costly error which led to Arsenal losing the Carling Cup final last Sunday.

Denilson gives the ball away carelessly to Stephane Sessegnon. The Frenchman comes forward and feeds Jordan Hednerson. The England man squares a low ball towards Steed Malbranque... cleared for a corner!

Arsenal kick off and we're underway! If they win all 11 remaining games in the Premier League, they will be champions!

The players are out on the pitch now. We're almost ready to go...

Arsenal have scored 11 goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season, more than any other team.

There have been five red cards in the last nine Premier League games involving the Gunners, while they have won only four of their 12 Premier League games against teams in the top half this season, while Sunderland have won four out of 14.

The Black Cats have lost seven and won none of the nine away Premier league games against the Gunners.

There have only been eight goals scored in the last six Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Arsenal.

Asamoah Gyan is playing alone up front at the Emirates: Danny Welbeck returns to the Sunderland squad after a knee injury but is on the bench while fellow attacker Fraizer Campbell (knee) has not made it. Michael Turner (knee) and Lee Cattermole (back) are missing, as are Bolo Zenden and Nedum Onuoha (both calf).

Aaron Ramsey is on the bench and could make his first appearance for Arsenal since breaking his leg a year ago. Samir Nasri captains the Gunners with Cesc Fabregas struggling to make the Barca return leg, while Robin van Persie is definitely out of that clash and this - leaving Nicklas Bendtner to lead the line after his FA Cup hat-trick in midweek. Alex Song (knee), Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) and Theo Walcott (ankle) are also out.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Denilson, Wilshere, Nasri, Diaby, Arshavin, Bendtner; subs: Almunia, Rosicky, Ramsey, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh

Sunderland: Mignolet, Ferdinand, Mensah, Bramble, Bardsley, Henderson, Muntari, Malbranque, Richardson, Sessegnon, Gyan; subs: Gordon, Riveros, Welbeck, Colback, Elmohamady, Knott, Noble