Arsenal head north-east for their first league game outside of London this season on Saturday in high spirits.
On the back of four convincing wins in all competitions, and the club record signing of German superstar Mesut Ozil, the side will arrive in Sunderland riding a wave of optimism.
The Form Guide
Recent form undoubtedly favours the red and white of London. Arsenal have won their last six away games, and were victorious in an heroic battle with the Mackems in their last encounter, in February of this year.
Moreover in their last eight meetings at the Stadium of Light, Arsenal have come away with five victories, with the home siding winning on one occasion.
Conversely, Sunderland have had a torrid start to the season under the confrontational Paolo Di Canio. One point in three, and with five from the last eighteen available, Di Canio is certainly one of the favourites to be the first Premier League manager to get the sack.
If the game pans out according to current form, there is no doubt who will take home the three points.
Football isn’t played on paper
As the old cliché implies, football, of course, is not a predictable game, and indeed, Sunderland will be fired up after a poor start to the season. With Adam Johnson and Emanuele Giaccherini on the flanks, and Ki Sung-yueng and Cabral in the middle, Sunderland do have technically gifted players who could trouble the Gunners.
With Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher up front however, the long-ball remains an option that Sunderland will likely resort to, particularly if Arsenal play the pressing game, though with Tomas Rosicky out, they may sit back and counter.
Sunderland’s two goals this season have been headers, suggesting the route one tactic will be used, particularly as Arsenal’s defence at times struggles in this area.
Arsenal possess enough talent to overcome the challenge of Sunderland, though if Lee Cattermole returns to the side, Sunderland will be a physical force to be reckoned with, as the defensive midfielder will meticulously undertake the job of attempting to break a leg, a worry with Ozil likely to make his debut, against the side Arsenal’s last record transfer, Andrei Arshavin, first featured.
Arsenal will stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation, with the only real question being who starts in central midfield. With Jack Wilshere tired after featuring in England’s two qualifiers, and admittedly off form for the first time in his career, starting Mathieu Flamini would be a wise decision by the manager. His performance against Tottenham showed a determination, a will to close down and harry, that has often been lacking.
Where the game will be won
Though seemingly obvious, defence will prove key in this fixture. Sunderland’s mixture of long-balls and quick, incisive wing play could trouble Arsenal’s error-prone defence. Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna will have to be on top form, and our central defence pairing could have plenty of strength and height to deal with.
Arsenal, with Santi Cazorla, Ozil, and Theo Walcott (particularly if up against Dossena) should have enough to overcome this awkward encounter.
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