...but given the slightest encouragement Sunderland did very well to drag themselves back into the match, proving that they could pass the ball as well as use the height of Jones up front. Maybe if Diaby's goal had stood ... Anyway, we should be nice to Sunderland as this game will hopefully have taught a few lessons - not least that Kolo is destined never to score with one of those shots
Manuel Almunia - 6 - Tremendously brave in at least three situations and was unlucky on the first goal, but it is failure to keep out Jones's second worries me. Jens is fit again...
Bacary Sagna - 5 - We used to have a Sansom at full back now was have a Samson. Shorn of his locks, Sagna had his first poor game for the club - well poor second half before he was hauled off. He was hardly tested in the first half but where on earth did he go for the second goal.
Kolo Toure - 6 - That pesky second goal - what was Kolo doing as well? Apart from that iffy moment, though, Kolo did what he does best - drive the team forward from the back. His role in our second goal shouldn't be forgotten either as he chased around the pitch eventually winning the corner.
Philippe Senderos - 7 - There seems to be a consensus of opinion that Big Phil was dominated again by a big forward but the truth is that while Jones won a few headers, Phil got his fair share as well and made some vital interceptions late in the game.
Gael Clichy - 4 - Put. The. Ball. In. The. Stands. Probably his worst game for the club with his refusal to do anything other than play his way out of trouble almost costing us dear and the less said about his crossing the better. Still everyone's allowed an off day.
Alexander Hleb - 7 - Sagna may disagree given the lack of cover he had, but Hleb was magnficent for much of the match and yet again showed his incredible ability to draw criminal tackles.
Mathieu Flamini - 6 - Dovetails so well with Cesc that it is almost inconceivable that their partnership will be broken by anything other than injury or in Matty's case suspension. Not his best game but the combination in midfield was vital in setting up the winning goal.
Cesc Fabregas - 6 - Literally marked by Miller throughout the match, he still showed enough class to make him stand out in a congested midfield.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 5 - Despite his hard work he struggled to make an impact for much of the match - not helped by the ludicrous refereeing of the odious Styles, but came to life in the last 15 and should have scored.
Robin van Persie - 8 - Our outstanding player and a constant threat aside from his two goals.
Subs
Theo Walcott - 7 - Low on confidence and perpetrator of a dreadful miss, he upped his game to set up the winner as well as a couple of other chances. Very very promising.
Emmanuel Eboue - 7 - Added a more direct dimension from right back in a very encouraging performance.
Gilberto Silva - n/a - The new Cygan came on and tidied up nicely.