Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Arsenal FC - Saturday 8th November 2025 - KO 17:30

I can see a home win ....thats where my colours are planted.

 

we got to be on it from first whistle if we sloppy like first half Monday we will punished on Saturday

be interesting to see what way RLB goes with team selection i take a point right now hopefully we can get at least one

 

Not sure it will tbh. They’ll be fully aware what we’re capable of.

 

exactly Arsenal will not be taken us lightly

 

I'm ready to be surprised again, but this time I do think we'll play a back 5 - obviously arsenal tend to win regardless of the opponent but they have had more bother against a compact 5 than when teams try to play against them.

 

Gone for a draw, more heart than head, Arsenal don't concede many and are lethal at set pieces. However another packed SOL behind the lads along with the players who never give up will be right up for it.

 

0-0 but by no means, boring.

Hope we sneak a 1-0 tho.

Bart

 

Nice one @RTB hope you got back to your hotel ok on Monday. Missing this one due to being on call again but hope everyone enjoys the game. Keep it tight at the back for this one. Frustrate them and hopefully hit them on the break. Thought we played well against Everton but I’d like think Alderete is fit again and gets back in alongside Ballard. If not let’s bring Stan Varga back for one last dance!!

 

I think you're quite right.

As much as I'd love to see us 'flying out of the blocks' I think it'll be a very cagey affair.

The SOL crowd has learned to be patient, with different systems, so Arsenal won't quiet them even if they have 90% possession.

Every tackle and clearance will be cheered and breakaways roared on.

I don't care about Arsenal's defence, they'll know we have various means to score from long balls into Isidor to the battering ram otherwise known as Ballard. All it takes is a wonder strike to a fluke or a penalty and we can score.

Win, lose or draw I'd like us to score and be second, behind Arsenal, even if it's just for part of the game.

The Sunderland players will believe we can win, as they did away to Chelsea, so I have to believe as well.

 

Anyone got a spare for Saturday please.

 

I voted away win. It's worked so far this season

 

I would like a fast aggreasive start, which goes a little against the grain.

I suspect Arsenal see us as slow starters and who will be quite cagey. I dont want to see Rice getting to far forward to early. If they are short of attackers squeeze 5 yards higher and try to manage the territory early. Make them think on their feet.

The game can fall into a pattern after 15 munutes or so, but I want a few early battles won.

Overall this might well be a game settled by set pieces. Both sides very good at both ends on them. Rice's delivery is the best I have seen in a long time. Ballard has become the most aggressive set set piece attacker I have seen in a while. It might be a bit turgid, but come alive on corners.

Anyway, I am not fearful of them. I respect them hugely, but dont fear them.

The last time I think we were in a top of the table clash in the prem was against Roy Keanes Man Utd just before Christmas. We blew them away early and went 2 up. They were magnificent second half and drew 2-2. I can see that sort of game again tbh. 1-1. Ballard.

 

I think we'll pinch a 1-0 win hanging on desperately for the last 10 minutes

 

Can't wait for this one.

We aren't the timid, plucky play off winners against the mighty arsenal, we are Sunderland here to compete.

Get stuck into them, grow into the game and let's see how they cope. We have pace all over the pitch going forward and calmness at the back.

A draw would be a massive result for us, but im sure the lads and the coaches want 3 points

 

People are getting a little carried away with how invincible Arsenal are despite having already lost this season.

They were losing at Newcastle with ten minutes to go, only won 1-0 at Fulham and beat Palace 1-0 with only three shots on target.

Of course they're good but they're clocking up injuries and will know there'll be no easy victory at Sunderland.

 

Top thread again RTB

Xhaka showed the value of getting a well struck shot off whenever possible v Everton. Something we don’t do enough of imo. Let’s have more players doing that please and see if we can make Saturday extra special.

 

Thanks for the thread @RTB

Looking forward to this one. I hope we've sorted out whatever went wrong in the first half hour of the Everton match and we come out flying at them. I don't feel scared going into this which is a nice feeling to have!

Should be a good atmosphere as it'll be dark and it'll feel like a night match.

We always do the Remembrance stuff well which will give us a sense of pride before we kick off. I'm glad that will get live TV coverage and everyone involved will get their efforts recognised on a bigger scale.

 

I am extremely impressed by how many optimistic b*stards think we can win on Saturday. Me included btw .
Our players remain calm, play bloody good football and will get chances especially with our pace running at them.
I believe Gyokeres is out which I am pleased about.
My big concern is Craig Pawson, yet another Sheff U fan. We will probably need to score 5 to get away with a 1-1 draw. However I think we will win 2-1.
Would I take a point now. Most definitely.
Last resort a good performance just to show we deserve to be where we are.