“Unstoppable” Arsenal Face Unexpectedly Strong Sunderland | OneFootball

Earlier this week, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola accurately described title-chasing Arsenal as “unstoppable” ….at the moment.

But Sunderland certainly have as good a chance as any team of stopping Mikel Arteta’s machine. The Black Cats sit fourth in the table and on the same number of points as Liverpool going into Saturday’s clash and will certainly provide a stern test for the Gunners.

Current Premier League Table. Source: Sofascore

“Not surprised,” Arteta said when asked about Sunderland’s season so far. “When you analyse them and see how well-organised they are, how they adjust things, and the spirit they have within the team, I’m not surprised. They fully deserve the position that they have at the moment.

“We know the type of game that we expect to play  and where the opportunities are and the things that we have to do very well to beat them and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”

A Familiar Face

Arteta will also see a familiar face when Arsenal travel to the north East. Granit Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal and played under the current Gunners boss, including in the first of their three successive runners-up campaigns in the 2022/23 season.

Xhaka has been a huge reason behind Sunderland performing well above expectations so far this season, scoring his side’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday, and has brought solidity, creativity and crucial experience to Regis Le Bris’ team.

The problem Xhaka, Le Bris and the rest of those involved with Sunderland will have is finding a way not just to score against Arsenal, but to create a decent chance.

Stout Defense

Arteta’s team have kept an astonishing eight clean sheets in a row in all competitions while winning each game, something the club has never done before in its history. They have conceded just three goals in the Premier League all season long and are on course to become the division’s best ever defense.

Chelsea currently holds the record for the fewest goals conceded in a Premier League season with just 15, but Arsenal are in with a legitimate chance of breaking that this campaign.

The best opportunity Sunderland have of getting something is to try and shut Arsenal out at the other end. While deservedly leading the table (they are by far the best team in the top flight this season) they are yet to hit their free-flowing, attacking best.

The Black Cats’ defensive record is strong too. They are tied with Liverpool and Tottenham for the second-best defensive record behind Arsenal, having let in just eight league goals this season. Robin Roefs, a spectacular late signing in the summer transfer window, is one of the league’s top goalkeepers and they count on him to be the last line of defense.

Arsenal have consistently found a way to score a crucial goal in games, often through a set piece, however. But while Arsenal might be “unstoppable” in the words of Guardiola, Sunderland certainly have a chance of being the ones to stop them.