Confirmed Arsenal team to face Sunderland – Merino leads the line | OneFootball

Arsenal take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light today as they aim to extend their impressive winning streak, and this is the team Mikel Arteta is starting with.

Arsenal team v Sunderland

The Black Cats have been in strong form since their promotion back to the Premier League in the summer, making them one of the toughest sides to face this season. Arsenal are fully aware of the challenge and will need to remain disciplined and focused to avoid underestimating their hosts.

This fixture has attracted significant attention, as neutral fans will be keen to see whether Arsenal finally concede a goal and drop points, while supporters of the Gunners will hope for all three points. Success in this match would further highlight the progress Arsenal have made under Arteta and demonstrate whether the team is a genuine title contender. In previous encounters against sides such as Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace, Arsenal have shown they can navigate tricky matches effectively. However, Sunderland represents another stern test, and the Premier League newcomers are unlikely to make things easy for the men from the Emirates.

Sunderland have lost only once in their last eight matches across all competitions and remain unbeaten at home in the league. Their resilience and determination make them a difficult opponent, capable of resisting sustained pressure from top teams. For Arsenal, breaking down Sunderland’s defensive organisation will require concentration, tactical intelligence and clinical finishing.

The outcome of this match will provide an important indicator of Arsenal’s readiness to maintain momentum as they seek to challenge for the Premier League title. Conversely, a slip-up could offer valuable insight into areas requiring improvement and serve as a reminder that even dominant teams must remain vigilant against determined opposition.

With both teams in fine form and clear motivations for success, the clash promises to be competitive and compelling. Arsenal will need to combine quality, focus and composure to secure the result, while Sunderland will aim to exploit any opportunities and test the Gunners’ defensive resilience. The match is set to be an engaging contest for fans of both sides and neutral observers alike.