Here are 9 things you should know about Arsenal and Sunderland before tomorrow’s kick-off:
1. Arsenal’s new signings Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud are all set to be handed their Premier League debuts tomorrow.
2. In the past two seasons Arsenal have had a player sent off in their opening Premier League fixture – Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho.
3. The last time these two sides met Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners, thanks to a last-minute goal from the great Thierry Henry.
4. The Gunners have lost just one of their last 17 Premier League games against Sunderland.
5. Arsenal managed to recoup the most points from losing positions than any other team last season.
6. In their 19 Premier League home games last season Arsene Wenger’s side never won a single penalty at home.
7. 28% of the goals Sunderland conceded last season were from headers.
8. Arsenal haven’t won at The Emirates since the 16th of April 2011, losing to Wigan 2-1.
9. Martin O’Neill’s side haven’t tasted victory away from home since the 25th of February 2011, drawing three and losing four.
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we lost to wigan on the 16th april 2012 i believe
Arsenal better be careful.O’neill is noted for his anto soccer something Wenger detests.Imagine this scenario from previos sesons.
The gunners indulge ina series of passing right to the box . They try to thread the ball thru a packed defence.
A pss is intercepted or misplaced. Sunderland launcha counter and with the barn door wide open,score .which even my 8 year old son can do likewise.
Wenger can’t believe his eyes.This scenario may be a thing of the past if Bould instils a defensive discipline.
If not, get ready for more hit and run losses.
i have never seen a more tricky and sneaky gaffer like martin o;neil. they play a defensive, frustrating game n capitalizes on breaks