The first of two trips to the Stadium of Light against a rejuvenated Sunderland team starts tomorrow in the Premier League, as we continue our hunt for fourth spot and the FA Cup. Both must wins in my opinion, only problem is we have a difficult encounter with Italian giants AC Milan in the Champions League sandwiched in between these fixtures.
In any case, here are three Sunderland players who I think will pose some problems to Arsenal tomorrow:
1. James McClean.
Young, eager to achieve, a goal poacher and very skilful, McClean has broken through the Sunderland first-team in some style under Martin O’Neill. With 4 goals in 12 games for Sunderland so far, the Northern Ireland Under-21 international doesn’t exactly scream prolific, but is a tricky customer to handle. The 22-year-old winger is a player who likes to be on the ball and take his chances when they come. McClean has a good connection with the other two players on this list, hence his inclusion – the tip of the triangle you can say. A team player and one who must be kept quiet.
2. Sebastian Larsson
The dead ball expert. The former Arsenal midfielder has netted 7 goals so far this season and is undoubtedly one of Sunderland’s best players. In my view, the 26-year-old Swede looks fairly average at times, but when called upon can become a handful. Larsson’s ability over a dead ball is that of a world class player and shouldn’t be taken lightly. His free-kicks are absolutely stunning, his crosses even more so. Needless fouls just outside the D and silly corners could spell trouble for us.
3. Stephane Sessegnon
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder/striker from Benin has already bagged 8 goals for Sunderland this season and is currently the clubs top goalscorer. He isn’t exactly the quickest on the ball, but his movement off it can cause lot of problems for our defence. The former PSG man’s creativity, in my opinion, is going to pose some problems for us, he’s able to play the balls into those irritating areas typical of a midfielder looking to be involved in a game and overflowing with confidence. We know how our defence, at times, ball watches, concentration must be high at all times with Sessegnon around. His ability to link up with his team-mates will also be a worry, especially looking at some of the goals he’s scored already; some lovely passes were made before the finish. Stop such passes and we can keep this danger-man at bay.
I’ve always feared teams managed by Martin O’Neill. The Irishman just seems to give his team that extra edge. Sunderland in recent years hasn’t always been easy for us. Even if Steve Bruce was still around we’d still have had a hard time, Sunderland are just a bogie team for us. O’Neill at the helm makes bagging all three points even tougher, and facing them twice in two crucial fixtures with an even greater one in between, it will be interesting to see how Arsene Wenger will utilize his squad and achieve the desired results.
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all we need is just take our chances
If previous home games under O’Neill are anything to go by expect SAFC to let Arsenal have plenty of ball but force plenty of counter attacks with Sessegnon, McClean, Gardner and Colback all able to hit the target from close or longer range. I fancy Sunderland to sneak a win by the odd goal.
sessegnon is going to rip your shitter out
Aflie, are you really an Arsenal fan? What we are expecting now as Arsenal fans is positive thinking. Arsenal will surely win on Saturday
Suprised you think Sessegnon is not quick on the ball. He is probably the quickest player in the league. Certainly quick in a Sunderland side that is brimming with quick players.
I feel this match will show up Arsene for what he is tactically; an arse! I will never bet against Arsenal even if I was a gambler but I think this will be a hard match for us to win even with Sunderland playing those extra 30 minutes in the FA Cup against Middlesborough!
Alfie is correct …Sunderland do allow other teams an awful lot of possession then hit them hard on the break (The Swansea game was a classic example) But I’m not sure that giving Arsenal too much possession would be healthy for my mackems! Sessegnon is indeed a class act …a player Gooners will much admire I reckon (hands off though)
We may well be tired after Wednesday’s strength sapping cup match – but the SOL will well up for this game ….mebbe’s us by the odd goal?
James Mcclean has scored 3 goals, not four. Sessegnon has 7 goals this season and despite what your limited football knowledge says he is quick on the ball, predicted by his precious trainer to be the tenth fastest man In France. So before you write an article on an opposing team, please, try to gain some basic knowledge before you do so.
Yes I don’t think he’s that fast. That’s my opinion. And if you had any football knowledge you would know that the stats I put were for the FA Cup and EPL combined according to goal.com
You forgot about Frazier ! Another player with bags if pace….;)
Heres to a good game today folks, we welcome the arsenal fans who I have always found to be grand company, however EPL?? come on man mate.