London: Olivier Giroud made up for an earlier own goal by scoring in the second half to help give Arsenal a 3-1 victory over Sunderland and end a three-game winless run in the Premier League.
Giroud met a cross from Aaron Ramsey with a diving header in the 63rd minute and Ramsey added the third in injury time for a much-needed victory that lifts the team into second place, above title rivals Manchester United and Manchester City.
Joel Campbell had given Arsenal the lead in the 33rd minute with a well-taken finish after a perfectly weighted pass from Mesut Ozil, but Sunderland leveled on the stroke of halftime when Giroud tried to clear a free kick only to deflect the ball into his own net.
Arsenal are two points behind surprise leader Leicester, while Sunderland are two points above the relegation zone.
Leicester took the outright lead of the Premier League on Saturday, despite striker Jamie Vardy failing to extend his record scoring run.
The Foxes beat struggling Swansea 3-0 at Liberty Stadium, with Riyad Mahrez scoring all the goals. The 24-year-old Algerian got an early brace before securing his hat trick in the 67th minute after being set up by Vardy.
Vardy had scored in the previous 11 games, setting a Premier League record.
Leicester started the day second to Manchester City on goal difference but now leads second-place Arsenal by two points.
Swansea remain near the relegation zone with 14 points from 15 games.
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