The Black Cats then had a penalty appeal when Michael Chopra tangled with Alexandre Song Billong in the area but referee Keith Stroud was not convinced.

BBC: Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal

If the Frenchman's first-choice midfield five of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Alexandre Song, Abou Diaby, and Andrey Arshavin are all fit, will one of them miss out to accommodate an in-form Wilshere?

BBC: Jack Wilshere ready to shine for Arsenal and England

Wenger made four alterations to his starting line-up - Eboue, Kieran Gibbs, Diaby and Eduardo replacing Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Alexandre Song and Nicklas Bendtner - but the change of personnel did little to disrupt a rhythm that had brought Arsenal impressive wins against Everton and Celtic.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Premier League | Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth

So often limited in the game by his role as Arsenal's midfield anchor, Alexandre Song shook off the shackles and was almost rewarded for it when he collected the ball on the half-way line and drove forward before unleashing a shot that struck the outside of the post.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Premier League | Arsenal 4-0 Wigan