Wenger relieved by win before CL

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his relief after his team ended a run of three Premier League games without a win by overcoming Sunderland 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Saturday's success was ideal preparation for next week's crucial Champions League trip to Olympiakos, where Arsenal must win by any score other than 1-0 or 2-1 if they are to qualify for the last 16.

And after a disappointing November, when a run of bad results was accompanied by significant injuries to Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin, Wenger is hopeful that it proves a turning point.

"I was more nervous than usual because I know it was a very important day for our season," said the Frenchman. "I knew Sunderland would be very good on counter-attack."

Arsenal went ahead through Joel Campbell's 33rd-minute goal, with Mesut Ozil setting up the Costa Rican winger to register his 12th assist of the campaign.

Olivier Giroud's own goal brought Sunderland level immediately before half-time, but the Arsenal striker made amends with a second-half header and Aaron Ramsey wrapped up the win in added time.

In a further boost for Wenger, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs both made returns from injury, while Ramsey, who set up Giroud's goal, completed the full 90 minutes.