Liam Rosenior joke and Régis Le Bris injury worries as Sunderland’s Emirates return marked by tribute | OneFootball

Sunderland returned to the Emirates with context, Régis Le Bris’ team were top half on 36 points from 24 games, Arsenal led the league. Beyond the result, a series of small moments told the tale.

According to Sunderland Echo, Arsenal marked the visitors’ arrival with a press-box tribute to late Louise Wanless, a framed photo and flowers placed on a seat.

Le Bris named an unchanged XI, with new faces on the bench as Melker Ellborg and deadline-day signing Nilson Angulo joined the squad.

There was a warm-up moment as both teams appeared to share a laugh at Liam Rosenior’s expense. With Kepa deep in Sunderland territory as David Raya shaped a clipped pass, a Black Cats coach waved him back then pulled him in for a hug.

On 27 minutes, Enzo Le Fée took an accidental arm from Kai Havertz and needed treatment. He continued, and the stoppage brought a drinks break with the game still 0-0.

At 69 minutes, with Sunderland 2-0 down, Noah Sadiki appeared to feel a hamstring issue and was replaced by Geertruida as a precaution. Soon after, Mukiele seemed to be nursing a knock before play settled.

This was Sunderland’s first Emirates outing in more than four years. Their last, a League Cup quarter-final, ended 5-1 as Eddie Nketiah hit a hat-trick, Nicolas Pépé and Charlie Patino scored, Nathan Broadhead replied, and Dennis Cirkin was the sole link to this squad.

Niall Quinn was in attendance again after watching the midweek win over Burnley.

Source: Sunderland Echo