Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to learn from last season’s experience when they return to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday.
The Gunners surrendered a late lead in the corresponding fixture last season, with Brian Brobbey scoring in the closing stages to secure a 2-2 draw for Sunderland.
Arteta believes that experience should serve as a warning as Arsenal seek to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of playing at the Stadium of Light, particularly because of the atmosphere created by the home supporters.
He said Arsenal had learned important lessons from last season’s encounter and would need to apply them when they face Sunderland again.
The Arsenal boss said his players must understand Sunderland’s qualities, identify the areas that could cause problems and ensure they impose their own style on the game.
Arteta also stressed the importance of competing throughout the match rather than allowing a late lapse to cost his side valuable points.
Arsenal head into the fixture having won all three of their Premier League matches this season. The reigning champions have also made a strong start across competitions, including a 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli in midweek. A victory at Sunderland would give Arteta’s side four consecutive league wins to begin their title defence.
The Gunners have also been strong away from home, although Sunderland’s home record provides reason for caution.
Also Read:Â Arsenal edge Napoli 1-0 as Odegaard strikes late
Sunderland have established themselves as a competitive side at home since returning to the Premier League.
The Black Cats have also taken confidence from last season’s meeting, when they recovered from behind to earn a point against Arsenal.
Their supporters are expected to create another intense atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, adding to the challenge facing the visitors.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris said his team must rely on their togetherness, underdog mentality and strong connection with the supporters.
Le Bris acknowledged Arsenal’s quality and flexibility but challenged his players to make the match as difficult as possible for the visitors.
He said Sunderland would need clarity in their approach while using the energy generated by the home crowd to support their pressing and defensive work.
The Sunderland manager believes the supporters can provide an important boost, but insisted that the players must first show the initiative required to bring the crowd into the contest.
Arsenal have dominated the Premier League meetings between the two clubs. The Gunners have won 18 of their last 29 league encounters with Sunderland, while the Black Cats have recorded one victory and there have been 10 draws.
Arsenal have also lost only once in their last 14 Premier League visits to the Stadium of Light. However, their strong historical record did not prevent Sunderland from claiming a point in last season’s meeting.
Arsenal will therefore be determined to avoid another late setback and continue their perfect start when the two sides meet on Saturday. The fixture is scheduled for 8pm local time at the Stadium of Light.
PUNCH
