Sunderland v Arsenal Match Preview: Gunners Face Tough Stadium of Light Test

Arsenal return to Premier League action tonight when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.

The Gunners have made a perfect start to the new campaign with five wins from five in all competitions, but this promises to be another stern examination just three days after Wednesday night’s hard-fought victory in Naples.

That Champions League success was the first of four consecutive away games for Mikel Arteta’s side, and tonight Arsenal face a Sunderland team who have already demonstrated just how difficult they can be on their own ground.

Arteta has also spoken about that experience ahead of tonight’s game, stressing both the intensity of the atmosphere and the lessons Arsenal took from dropping points there last season.

Rather than dwelling on that result, though, the Gunners now have an opportunity to demonstrate that those lessons have been learned.

Sunderland enjoyed an excellent return to the Premier League last season, finishing seventh and earning Europa League football.

They have taken four points from their opening three league fixtures this term. After losing 2-1 at Ipswich, they responded with a 1-0 home victory against Fulham before drawing 1-1 at Brentford.

A further 1-0 win over Hull City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday means Sunderland have won both of their home games in all competitions this season without conceding.

That continues an impressive record at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats lost only four of their 19 home league matches last season, so Arsenal should expect another highly competitive encounter.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Sunderland are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Enzo Le Fee operating behind Brobbey.

They are aggressive without the ball and are among the division’s strongest pressing teams, using physicality, work rate and direct football to make it difficult for opponents to establish their rhythm.

Sunderland have faced only five shots on target so far this season – fewer than any other Premier League side.

There are threats out wide too, while former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka provides experience and bite in the middle of the pitch.

There is encouraging news regarding Jurrien Timber, who has returned to training after missing the summer and the opening weeks of the season with a groin injury.

Cristhian Mosquera is also closing in on a return after sitting out the victories over Chelsea and Napoli, while William Saliba remains sidelined long-term with a back problem.

Historically, Arsenal have dominated this fixture, with Sunderland winning only one of their last 29 Premier League meetings with the Gunners.

Tonight, however, the recent evidence is more relevant. Sunderland are formidable at home, Arsenal have just returned from a demanding European trip, and last season showed exactly what can happen if concentration slips.

It may require patience, but Arsenal should have enough quality to continue their perfect start.

What do you think, Gooners? Will Arsenal make it six wins from six, or could Sunderland frustrate us again at the Stadium of Light? Let us know in the comments.

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