Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to expect another challenging game when they travel to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, recalling how they dropped points at the same venue last season.
The Gunners surrendered a late advantage in a 2-2 draw, with Brian Brobbey scoring towards the end to secure a point for Sunderland.
Arteta believes that result has given his team valuable experience ahead of their return to the Stadium of Light.
“We experienced last season how tough it’s going to be. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere, and it’s great to play in these kinds of games. We know how ready they’re going to be. We know the importance of it and we’ll be ready to be on that pitch. We’ll compete like we always do, we’ll try to be better than the opponent and win the game.
“Last year, we dropped points there, especially in the last minutes. We experienced and learned a lot from that game for the previous one. (On Saturday), again, we’ll discuss many things that we need to be aware of and where we want to take the game, what their qualities are and how we’ll try to nullify them,” Arteta said in a preview on the club’s website.
Arsenal arrive for Saturday’s fixture with a flawless start to the season, having secured victories in each of their opening five matches.
They have also recorded wins in their last three Premier League away games and suffered just one defeat in their previous 12 league matches on the road.
Sunderland, however, have established themselves as a difficult side to overcome at home since returning to the Premier League, losing only four of their 19 home league matches last season.
The Black Cats have won their last two Premier League games at home, with their supporters expected to generate another hostile atmosphere for the champions.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris admitted Arsenal will present a major test but insisted his side would draw strength from their underdog mentality and strong bond with the fans.
“To be competitive in this kind of game, we have to be ourselves. Our underdog mentality, togetherness and connection with the fans is crucial. We have to have clarity in our game model, because they have so much flexibility.
“We have to make it as uncomfortable and as difficult as possible. The supporters are a powerful driver, but it starts from us. When we are proactive, they are behind us and they feed the energy for the press and the second ball,” Le Bris said.
Arsenal have enjoyed the better record in previous Premier League meetings, winning 18 of their last 29 encounters, compared with Sunderland’s one victory and 10 draws.
The Gunners have also suffered only one defeat in their last 14 Premier League visits to the Stadium of Light, although that impressive record did not stop Sunderland from securing a draw in last season’s meeting.
