It is a free hit, not many will expect Sunderland to get anything from the mighty Gunners, but all I've ever wanted is for my team to compete and look capable of doing just that. And this team is the team I've always wanted, and we know they will give everything.
Cut out the edgy start and misplaced passes we had against Everton and we've got every chance in this game, one thing whatever happens our heads won't drop.
Mate at work is a proper Arsenal fan...he thinks we`ll give them a game and he`d take a draw - I called him out on it but his view is GX will make a big difference especially against Arsenal and he doesn`t believe that they can keep a clean sheet forever...let`s see...if we get a sniff the SOL will be rocking
That's interesting you say he'd take a draw - I wouldn't . Not because you guys aren't a good side (you very clearly are), but a) I have to back my team to be winning games and b) City and Liverpool look like they're on an upward trajectory, so we need to be looking to win as many games as we can if we're serious about being Premier League champions. That said, it wouldn't surprise me at all if we drop points at the SoL. Le Bris has impressed me with his tactical acumen and adaptable style(s) of play. From what I've seen, you guys are capable of sitting deep and defending low when you need to, but also, you can press man-to-man and be aggressive in winning turnovers high up the pitch too. I'm interested to see how you approach this game. So far, for a newly promoted side, you've taken the league by storm and got some very good results, including a huge scalp away at Chelsea (thanks for that btw ). I thought you battered Everton for the whole second half too, so it's clear to see the purpose and relentlessness you guys can play with - and I expect a similar game against us. Xhaka has been instrumental to your success, and I'm glad to see he's doing well for you - obviously I hope he doesn't have a good game on Saturday, but I wish him (and you guys) the best for the rest of the campaign.
I fancy us to nick a 1-1 draw. Arsenal have been probably the best “footballing” team in the league for years imo but they’ve found a new way to win this season. We seem to be strong from set pieces as do they so it’ll be an interesting one. Xhaka is sat on 3 cards and we have 3 games left before Liverpool, City and the Mags. I believe he will want to pick up 2 bookings sharpish to avoid any chance of missing the game with Newcastle so I’ll be chucking money on him to get booked next few games for sure.
100% mate. Had Hume against Everton at 3/1 which was nailed on marking Grealish but there was also 16/5 for Xhaka to foul Grealish and didn’t bother chucking it on I think he’s clever enough to get booked for something cynical late in the game. No way he’s going to be going into the City game on four bookings.
