Match Preview: Arsenal Vs Sunderland

Match Appointments

Referee: Robert Madley

Assistants: M Perry & P Kirkup

Fourth Official: J Simpson

Team News

Arsenal

Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mikel Arteta all miss this weekend's clash. Theo Walcott and Laurent Koscielny could play a part while Kieran Gibbs returns.

Sunderland

Jermain Defoe and Seb Larsson have been ruled out due to injury. Big Sam could be tempted to give Duncan Watmore his second start, and also recall Jordi Gomez to the starting eleven. This match could come too soon for Jack Rodwell however, who is due soon to re-join training. Billy Jones is available after suspension and should re-join the match day squad after serving a one match ban.

Last 10 League Meetings

20th May 2015

Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

25th August 014

Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal

22nd Feb 2014

Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland

14th Sep 2013

Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal

9th Feb 2013

Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal

18th Aug 2012

Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

11th Feb 2012

Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal

16th Oct  2011

Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland

5th Mar 2011

Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

18th Sep 2010

Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal

Form

Arsenal

Sun 29th Nov

Norwich 1-1 Arsenal

Sat 21st Nov

West Brom 2-1 Arsenal

Sun 8th Nov

Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham

Sat 31st Oct

Swansea 0-3 Arsenal

Sat 24th Oct

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Sat 17th Oct

Watford 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland

Sat 28 Nov

Sunderland 2-0 Stoke

Mon 23 Nov

Crystal Palace 0-1 Sunderland

Sat 7th Nov

Sunderland 0-1 Southampton

Sun 1st Nov

Everton 6-2 Sunderland

Sun 25th Oct

Sunderland 3-0 Newcastle

Sat 17th Oct

West Brom 1-0 Sunderland

Last Corresponding Fixture

OPTA Stats & Facts

• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 top-flight clashes with Sunderland (W7 D4) and have suffered defeat in just one of the last 23 versus them.
• On home soil, the Gunners are yet to lose to the Black Cats in the Barclays Premier League (W9 D5), although four of the last seven top-flight meetings at the Emirates have ended 0-0.
• Indeed, that total of four home goalless draws is the most by Arsenal against any opponent in the Gunners’ Barclays Premier League history.
• French striker Olivier Giroud has had a hand in five goals in his five Barclays Premier League appearances against Sunderland (three goals, two assists).
• Mesut Ozil and Santiago Cazorla have exchanged passes 339 times this season in the top-flight, 40 more than any other combination between two players.
• Ozil has had a hand in 13 goals in his last 12 Barclays Premier League appearances (two goals, 11 assists).
• The Gunners have now gone three games without a Barclays Premier League win (D2 L1) - they last went four games without tasting victory last April.
• Sunderland ‘keeper Costel Pantillimon has made a league-high 59 saves this season in Barclays Premier League.