Further attacking play followed, and with Clichy and Lauren looking dangerous on the wings it was only a matter of time until the second goal came. On one of his many bursts forward Lauren found himself in space on the right wing in line with the area and proceeded to play a clever, pin point pass to pick out Thierry in the middle who snapped up the chance.
A similar pattern followed in the second half, as we pushed on looking for more goals which we nearly got early on through a Henry overhead kick which went out off the post. Sunderland managed to scramble themselves a goal which was largely down to our sloppy defending, but we were never in any danger of losing the lead, and indeed added to it when Henry grabbed his second with a cool finish slotted into the corner after a Fabregas through ball.
So we are (maybe briefly depending on other results) now up to third, and it is crucial that we start to put a good run of form together now, before the Chelsea game, to build confidence in the side and keep us pushing on up the league.
Jens Lehmann (7) Good distribution throughout but he must take some responsibility for the goal as he got himself caught in no mans land.
Gael Clichy (7) He was a thorn in the side of Sunderland when going forward, particularly in the second half.
Sol Campbell (7) Largely inactive thanks to a lacklustre Sunderland attack. However he swept up any long balls well.
Kolo Toure (7) He seemed to get bored with not seeing the ball and so spent most of the second half pushing over the half way line, providing an additional outlet for players under pressure.
Lauren (7) Used the right wing well on the overlap, and could have had more than one assist.
Jose Reyes (6) If ever a man needed a goal! He just can't get the finish that may boost his confidence and spark his season into life. This is becoming a running theme with him though, as we believed that his goal against Rosenberg last year might see him start a goal scoring run, as we did when he scored against Spurs at home last season. Hopefully he can find this goal and get back to the way we know he can play now that he is in his natural position on the left wing.
Cesc Fabregas (6) His passing was back to its best as he spread the play one way and then the other, and provided a stunning through ball for the third goal.
Gilberto (7) Kept the midfield ticking over as he always does.
Robert Pires (6) He gives the side a better balance while playing on the right and seems happy to play there.
Robin Van Persie (8) He finally got his long over due start and made the most of it with some dazzling skills, a well taken goal and some amazing passing.
Thierry Henry (7) Took his goals well, and nearly added a spectacular third.
Subs:
Dennis Bergkamp (6) He could have scored when put in by Eboue but other than that he was barely involved.
Emmanuel Eboue (6) He showed a few bursts of pace down the right.