As Sunderland prepares to face Arsenal in the Premier League, the matchup highlights a long-standing rivalry. Sunderland has struggled against Arsenal in recent years, remaining winless in their past 15 league encounters. Their last victory against the Gunners was a narrow 1-0 win back in November 2009.
Sunderland’s Historic Struggles Against Arsenal
Historically, Sunderland has not fared well when hosting Arsenal. The Gunners have emerged victorious in three away matches against Sunderland, all decided by a solitary goal. This trend indicates a challenging dynamic for the Black Cats, with Arsenal consistently maintaining a strong defensive record during their visits.
- Sunderland’s last victory over Arsenal: November 2009 (1-0)
- All Arsenal defeats against Sunderland were by 1-0 away from home.
- Sunderland haven’t won in their last 23 games against teams in the top four.
Current Form and Statistics
Despite their historical difficulties against the Gunners, Sunderland has shown resilience this season. The team remains unbeaten at the Stadium of Light, with a record of three wins and two draws from five matches. Their current 18 points mark the best start for a newly promoted side after ten games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season.
On the other hand, Arsenal enters this match with impressive form. They have won their last five league games, and their defense has not conceded during this streak. With eight goals scored from corners this season, Arsenal has established a record for the most corner goals within their first ten games of a league season.
Key Player Insights
Granit Xhaka, a pivotal player for Sunderland, recently netted his first goal for the club in a draw against Everton. The midfielder previously made 225 appearances for Arsenal and now hopes to score in consecutive Premier League matches.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres stands out as a significant threat for Sunderland, having scored three of his four Premier League goals against newly promoted teams. His efficiency against these clubs contrasts sharply with his overall performance this season.
Defensive Records
Defensively, Arsenal’s statistics are remarkable. They have allowed only 19 shots on target this campaign, averaging just 1.9 per match— the lowest since the 2003-04 season. Additionally, Arsenal has maintained a perfect record when leading, scoring eight goals without conceding any when ahead in matches this season.
Conclusion
The upcoming clash between Sunderland and Arsenal promises an exciting encounter. With Sunderland’s historical struggles and Arsenal’s strong current form, both teams will aim to make a statement. As the match approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how the teams will perform on the day.
