Roker Report - Sunderland Vs Arsenal: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2013-02-11T15:30:07+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/37341712013-02-11T15:30:07+00:002013-02-11T15:30:07+00:00Talking Tactics: Arsenal (H)
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<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland extended their winless run to three games on Saturday, with a narrow 0-1 defeat to Arsene Wenger's Gunners. Arsenal controlled the latter stages of the opening half but, following Carl Jenkinson's second half dismissal, the home side left the game wondering how they hadn't salvaged at least a point for their efforts.</p> <h4><b>Lineups</b></h4>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Sunderland lined up in a 4-5-1 formation that was intended to shift into a high tempo 4-3-3 when in possession of the ball. Some have suggested that the home side were negative in the opening half but, in truth, the opening 20 minutes or so saw a fairly open-ended affair.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The difference in those early stages was that the Black Cats were very wasteful on the ball, and Arsenal proved adept at cutting out attacks before they could build up too much momentum. Sunderland's passing success rate in the opening 25 minutes was just 76% (the visitors managed 85%), while Wenger's side notched a hefty seven tackles and nine interceptions across the first half.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Wenger also deployed five midfielders but, blessed with such effective ball players as Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla, he could afford to be more adventurous in his side's play. With Wilshere dropping deep to play neat balls with Ramsey and Arteta before then driving play forward, the Gunners exerted influence on the game, with Sunderland's midfield struggling to keep up with their visitors' impressive movement. Indeed, the game's one true moment of quality was also the game's winning goal, as Wilshere drifted his way effortlessly past two men, before Theo Walcott laid off a pass which Cazorla finished sublimely.</p>
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<h4><b>Sunderland's Use Of Width</b></h4>
<p>Although it took until Jenkinson's dismissal on the hour mark for it to become blatantly obvious, the way Sunderland used width in this game was intriguing.</p>
<p>In the opening half, with Stephane Sessegnon on the right and Adam Johnson on the left, the home side effectively had nine men on the pitch. Transitions from defence to attack were lethargic, neither of their wingers were particularly involved, and the Arsenal defence had an easy job of dispossessing Steven Fletcher. The latter would often move out wide in search of joy, but with neither Sessegnon nor Johnson seeking to move ahead of him, it made for some sloppy attacking play.</p>
<p>In the second half, the two wingers swapped sides, and an instant improvement was seen - even before Jenkinson's red card. Indeed, it was good work by Sessegnon that saw the young defender dive rashly into the challenge that saw him booked for a second time.</p>
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<p>The difference in Sessegnon's involvement across the two halves is startling. In the first, he scarcely looked interested. In the second, playing as, effectively, an inside forward, he was vibrant and forward thinking. He achieved a 100% passing success rate across the game, but it was his improved urgency that saw him a constant threat in the second half.</p>
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<p>Sunderland threw over a huge 48 crosses on Saturday - with 30 of them coming following Jenkinson's dismissal. Not possessing a real playmaker in the middle, O'Neill knew his side needed to batter the visitors from wide areas, and hope that, eventually, Bacary Sagna or Per Mertesacker put a foot (or head) wrong.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately for the home side, the Gunners' two central defenders were nothing short of immense. Sagna contributed 15 clearances and showed no signs of being out of his preferred full-back position - even the arrival of Danny Graham, who won a few aerial tussles, proved not to be enough for the Black Cats.</p>
<h4><b>Reluctant Full-Backs</b></h4>
<p>The disappointing thing about Sunderland using width was that, even after Arsenal went down to ten men, the home full-backs were never likely to be seen marauding up the line.</p>
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<p>Sunderland's player influence graphic, which shows where players' average position across the game was, is striking in how, with Sessegnon and Johnson heavily involved as inside forwards (or inverted wingers), there was a large area of space for Danny Rose and Craig Gardner to move into.</p>
<p>Gardner, in fairness, pushed forward at times, though still not as much as may have been preferable. Rose, on the other hand, was criminally underused before his departure through injury in the 2nd half.</p>
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<p>Following Jenkinson's red card, which saw Aaron Ramsey shifted out of position to right-back, Rose received the ball from a teammate only five times. For a player who has proven his ability to get forward and cause the opposition problems, this was fairly baffling - even if Stephane Sessegnon was a frequent recipient of the ball on the left wing.</p>
<p>Perhaps the answer to why this continues to be the case for Sunderland is that Martin O'Neill, recognising his side's very real limitations, is reluctant to allow players to stray too far from their individual "zones". The sparing use of Rose could be explained by how Sessegnon is unlikely to offer much defensively should his left-back lose the ball high up the field.</p>
<h4><b>Larsson Impresses</b></h4>
<p>In the second half, Seb Larsson once again impressed from central midfield. His performances there in recent weeks have been much improved, and he offered a drive that was lacking in the opening half.</p>
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<p>Alfred N'Diaye was originally deployed as his side's highest central midfielder. Despite making some decent runs, he arguably should have scored with his header some 30 seconds into the game, Sunderland's disjointed attacking display made it difficult for the Frenchman to properly drive his side forward.</p>
<p>In the second half he dropped deeper, filling in for Lee Cattermole and, as shown, Larsson was a strong influence in the pressure Sunderland exerted. His crossing from set-plays and open play was much improved and, despite his side's inability to finish one of their numerous chances, his performance was a pleasing sight from a man who has flattered to deceive for much of the season.</p>
<h4><b>Conclusions</b></h4>
<p>It took a moment of real quality to win this game, though without Simon Mignolet Arsenal could have been out of sight at the break. That said, were it not for Wojciech Szczesny, Sunderland could well have won the game - the Polish stopper made some fine saves in the second half.</p>
<p>Sunderland have some very clear limitations, but the point about them setting out negatively is one that is overblown. The opening 20 minutes of the game was a very even affair; Arsenal's midfield superiority told in the remaining time in the first half.</p>
<p>Yet, the home side came out brightly in the second and did pretty much everything but score. O'Neill's reluctance to let certain players play with more freedom can be frustrating, but the manager - probably rightly - has reasoned that it is a necessary frustration.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/11/3976010/talking-tactics-arsenal-aChrisWeatherspoon2013-02-11T10:00:02+00:002013-02-11T10:00:02+00:00Quick Kicks: Reaction From Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
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<p>Sunderland endured a frustrating and genuinely unfortunate 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal. We highlight some key points for discussion. </p> <h4><b>What The Gaffer Said</b></h4>
<p>Martin O'Neill certainly didn't seem overly despondent. He told <i>SAFC TV</i>:</p>
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<p>It was a fantastic game of football.</p>
<p>The early chances at either end set the pattern for the rest of the game.</p>
<p>I think Simon Mignolet made some good saves for us and their goalkeeper was a tower for them in the second half.</p>
<p>Arsenal are a fine side and they caused us a few problems - we tried to deal with them as best we could.</p>
<p>It was a fantastic effort by the team in the second half. We couldn't get the ball over the line, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.</p>
<p>Obviously as we were pressing they had an opportunity or two to put the game beyond us - in that aspect we had a bit of luck, but at the other end we had none.</p>
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<p>Sometimes you just know a manager is trying to put a positive spin on a disappointing result, but I don't think that is what this is from O'Neill.</p>
<p>I'd say he has every right to be genuinely happy with the effort and some of the football played by his side in this one. When you go up against the top teams all you can really ask is that if they are going to beat you, then you make them work very hard for it, and that is exactly what happened here.</p>
<h4><b>‘Awful First Half'?</b></h4>
<p>I keep seeing ‘awful', ‘embarrassing', ‘disgraceful' and various other needlessly dramatic verbs used to describe Sunderland's first half performance but I am not sure any are really necessary.</p>
<p>Yes, after an open first 20 minutes, Arsenal got on top and asserted themselves by keeping the ball and ensuring the play was crammed predominantly into the Sunderland half until the break.</p>
<p>But Arsenal are a top side packed with quality players who are seasoned Champions League schemers. Of course they are going to come here and have a spell of dominance. It's nothing to get in a flap over.</p>
<p>Frankly, if you were genuinely appalled by Sunderland being powerless to stop Arsenal from having a strong passage of play in which they were in the ascendancy and creating chances, it may be time to have a bit of a rethink regarding realistic expectations.</p>
<h4><b>Johnson And Sessegnon Are Not Traditional Wingers</b></h4>
<p>If this game proved anything, then it is that, although both play on the wing, neither Adam Johnson nor Stephane Sessegnon are traditional wide-men and we should probably adjust our perception of them accordingly.</p>
<p>With all the will in the world, neither of them are going to be happy going round the outside and whipping crosses around defenders. They both want to be heading towards the penalty area and keeping full backs guessing.</p>
<p>Against Arsenal the difference in both players when they swapped flanks was remarkable. Sessegnon forged what looked like a hugely promising partnership with Danny Rose and Johnson looked far more likely to create too than when he was shackled to the left touchline being quietly ushered down blind alleys.</p>
<p>Hopefully this is something that will continue, as getting the best out of them both is surely the key to us all having a lot more fun at the Stadium of Light.</p>
<h4><b>Injuries Just Keep On Happening</b></h4>
<p>One of the biggest criticisms of Steve Bruce was that he would often bring back a player from injury too early only to see the injury aggravated once again during the game.</p>
<p>The manager has changed, but the problem certainly hasn't gone with him.</p>
<p>Both Danny Rose and Lee Cattermole made a return to the side this weekend and, <i>qu'elle surprise, </i>both left the game early due to what looked like a re-occurrence of the original injury.</p>
<p>Perhaps it is time to start looking a bit deeper and examining the quality of the advice managers are receiving from the medical staff at the club as this seems to be a problem with which only Sunderland consistently struggle.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/11/3974738/quick-kicks-thoughts-and-reaction-from-sunderland-0-1-arsenalmichaelgraham2013-02-09T20:30:04+00:002013-02-09T20:30:04+00:00Sunderland Vs Arsenal: Player Ratings
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<p>Sunderland took on Arsenal at the Stadium Of Light today, and here's what we made of each individual player from our side today. Enjoy, or just argue among yourselves as is what tends to happen...</p> <h4>Simon Mignolet - 8</h4>
<p>Our Belgian Keeper was simply faultless in the first half, making terrific saves from Walcott, Giroud and Ramsey. After keeping us in the game, he had little to do in the second half, but did what he had to when called upon.</p>
<h4>Craig Gardner - 5</h4>
<p>While Gardner was defensively solid and got into some good attacking positions, his final delivery was simply awful. It speaks volumes about his competition that Gardner's probably the best right-back in the squad, so this is a position we really need to address in the summer.</p>
<h4>John O'Shea - 8</h4>
<p>The Irishman continues his pattern of one bad game followed by one good game, with a much improved performance than in last week's match against Reading. While Arsenal looked very dangerous going forward, O'Shea did well to limit their talented attack.</p>
<h4>Titus Bramble - 7</h4>
<p>Titus, like O'Shea, was much better than against Reading. Did very well in the first half to help restrict Arsenal to just one goal, but spurned a glorious chance to equalise in the second. He loses an extra mark for that.</p>
<h4>Danny Rose - 6</h4>
<p>Solid, if unspectacular return for Rose. Made a superb interception to stop Arsenal doubling their lead in the first half but, like Gardner, his final ball was lacking. Worryingly came off with hamstring trouble in the second half, and we can only hope that it's not as bad as it looked.</p>
<h4>Lee Cattermole - 5</h4>
<p>O'Neill took a big risk in playing Cattermole today and it didn't work out with the skipper going off at half time with an injury. Got booked just 80 seconds into his comeback, almost as if he wanted to show everyone it was definitely him playing and not just an imposter in an elaborate Lee Cattermole disguise. Never really looked comfortable after that.</p>
<h4>Jack Colback - 6</h4>
<p>Colback worked very hard in the middle of the park, and popped up in the box a couple of time, even if he didn't have a huge impact on the game. Did force Carl Jenkinson to make the challenge that earned the Arsenal man his first booking though.</p>
<h4>Alfred N'Diaye - 6</h4>
<p>N'Diaye started the game in a more advanced position and looked a big threat early on. His runs caused Arsenal problems in the early stages, but faded as the game wore on, especially when he was moved deeper in the second half.</p>
<h4>Adam Johnson - 5</h4>
<p>Again Johnson produced a lot of effort, but really struggled to make any impact on the game. Looked a little more dangerous when he was moved onto the right-hand side, but his delivery, especially from set-pieces, was largely poor. It's pretty clear that he isn't suited to playing down the left, so hopefully it's not something we'll not see much more of.</p>
<h4>Stephane Sessegnon - 8</h4>
<p>Sessegnon's performance works as a good indicator of Sunderland's in the game itself. Largely poor in the first half, but came roaring into life in the second half as soon as he was switched onto the left hand side. It was his run that led Jenkinson to bring him down for the Arsenal defender's second booking, and was an absolute pest for the rest of the game. Sunderland's biggest attacking threat.</p>
<h4>Steven Fletcher - 6</h4>
<p>Had a hatful of chances, but it proved not the be the big man's day as he came up against an Arsenal keeper in fine form. Largely isolated in the first half, he worked hard all day, but in the second half wasted one great chance and then forced a breath taking save from The Chesmeister with a header.</p>
<h4>Seb Larsson - 7</h4>
<p>After a run of poor games, Larsson had to make do with an appearance off the bench today. Luckily when he came on, he looked a real threat from crosses and set-pieces. Might have just done enough to play his way back into the first XI.</p>
<h4>Danny Graham - 6</h4>
<p>Graham didn't quite have the same impact as he did when he came on at Reading, but he still offered a significant threat in the Arsenal box. Proved to be a handful for the Gunners defenders, and certainly showed that he's a credible option up front with Fletcher.</p>
<h4>David Vaughan - 5</h4>
<p>Passed the ball about a bit.</p>
<h4>Man Of The Match - Simon Mignolet</h4>
<p>At the end of the first half, I didn't think this would prove to be a difficult decision, but an excellent second half performance from Sessegnon made this a hard one to call. Ultimately though, Ah Mignolet kept us in the match with a superb first half display. His save from Ramsey is one of his best this season, and Arsenal would have been out of sight if it wasn't for the terrific Belgian.</p>
<p><i>Follow further reaction over the coming days right <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/9/3970130/sunderland-vs-arsenal-live-coverage-match-report-final-score">HERE</a> in our Match Stream!</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/9/3970156/sunderland-vs-arsenal-player-ratingsLuke Bowley2013-02-09T18:43:07+00:002013-02-09T18:43:07+00:00Match Report: Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
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<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland slump to a 1-0 home defeat the hands of Arsenal, with a spirited second half performance not enough to compensate for a sloppy first half which the visitors dominated. Our full match report is here and waiting for you.</p> <p>The game kicked off at a frantic pace with both sides pressing forward as often as possible. Within the first 5 minutes Mignolet had saved smartly from Walcott twice, Alfred N'Diaye had headed over the bar and Lee Cattermole was in the book. The Teessider's inclusion was somewhat of a surprise and he only lasted 45 minutes, but he marked his comeback with a typical caution.</p>
<p>Cattermole sat deep while N'Diaye played further up the pitch closer to Fletcher. In truth though, the Frenchman was everywhere in the opening stages, making his presence felt in the midfield. Craig Gardner meanwhile was having a positive impact at right back, both defensively and going forward. An Arsenal interchange in and around the box led to an excellent tackle from the right back who won the ball from Giroud, a challenge which tpyified his afternoon.</p>
<p>That particular challenge led to a Sunderland break, which ended with frustration for Sunderland. Sessegnon was unlucky with an attempted square ball. This too would prove to be typical of Sunderland going forward on a frustrating day.</p>
<p>Sunderland attempted to exploit set pieces, with Sessegnon going down a number of times inside the Arsenal half. A floated free kick from set piece was flicked on by Fletcher, coming to nothing, while a Gardner free kick floated onto the Scottish striker's head was easily claimed by Szczesny.</p>
<p>This was part of a cracking opening 20 minutes to the game, which saw Arsenal break dangerously a number of times, only to find themselves let down by poor finishing, exemplified by a wasteful Giroud shot across goal. Sunderland's back four was generally coping well, with Bramble making an impressive interception from an attempted Wilshere through ball. Mignolet had been the busier of the two goalkeepers, but Sunderland retained a threat going forward</p>
<p>Carl Jenkinson picked up a silly booking in the first half and Sunderland began to target the Arsenal right back, which would prove to be crucial later in the game.</p>
<p>On countless occasions Sunderland's a lack of quality and poor decision making in the final third let them down. Sessegnon blazed high and wide when Gardner was in a better position. The full back later found space on the right only to put in a dreadful cross after great work from N'Diaye who had won the ball from Giroud.</p>
<p>After the twenty minute mark, the tide turned fully in Arsenal's favour. Santi Cazorla began to take control of the game. After another fantastic Mignolet save to deny Ramsey, it was to be the little Spaniard who scored the game's only goal. Weak play from Sessegnon was pounced upon by Arsenal and an exchange of passes between Walcott and Wilshere ended with Cazorla driving home.</p>
<p>Sunderland continued to defend well but lost any sort of momentum going forward. Fletcher found himself increasingly isolated and N'Diaye began to drop deeper in midfield. Some great link up between Bramble and Johnson ended up with the English winger's cross easily being claimed by Gunners' keeper Szczesny, summing up the lack of potency in the Black Cats' side.</p>
<p>Sunderland's Belgian keeper was called into action time and again before half time, making himself big as he does so well to keep Ramsey out and claiming easily from a tame Walcott effort. Arsenal finished the half stronger, probably disappointed not to be further ahead.</p>
<p>Cattermole was substituted at half time, replaced by Sebastian Larsson. Early Sunderland pressing resulted in a penalty claim as Sessegnon went down in the box, but to no avail. Wilshere who had been in the thick of the action was then replaced by Diaby. Sunderland continued to press but were frustratingly impotent going forward.</p>
<p>In an attempt to freshen the attack up, O'Neill swapped his wingers round with Sessegnon coming to the left and Johnson shifting to the right. It was Arsenal who continued to threaten though, with the wasteful Giroud firing wide yet again.</p>
<p>A Sunderland corner was headed over by O'Shea at the near post before Sessegnon brilliantly won the ball in midfield, broke forward and teed up Fletcher who shot wide. Sunderland's best chance of the game so far had come and gone, but the Wearsiders had still failed to get anything on target.</p>
<p>Arsenal continued to threaten whenever they came forward, with the excellent Cazorla shooting across goal and wide after bamboozling the Sunderland defence with stepovers in the box.</p>
<p>The winger swap then paid dividends as Sessegnon skipped past Jenkinson who foolishly dove into a challenge on the Benin international. A second yellow card was produced and the full back sent off. Frustratingly for Sunderland, Arsenal initially maintained control of the game with 10 men. Ramsey slotted comfortably in at right back. Sunderland's frustrations were demonstrated by Larsson picking up a booking for dissent, while Arsenal's chances were added to by yet another wasted effort from Giroud.</p>
<p>Danny Graham, the target of boos when Swansea visited the Stadium of Light in recent weeks was cheered onto the field. He replaced N'Diaye, O'Neill looking to give Fletcher some much needed support in attack against 10 man opposition.</p>
<p>It was Arsenal who came closest again, with Diaby spurning a golden opportunity. Some wonderful passing in and around the box carved Sunderland open but the Frenchman fluffed his opportunity. This was followed by chances for Cazorla, who fired over, and Walcott, who was extremely unlucky to see his shot hit the post. 10 man Arsenal on the break were more of a threat than 11 man Sunderland who were pressing to little effect. Plenty of corners and free kicks failed to lead to shots on target.</p>
<p>Despite being a man light, Arsenal were able to dominate periods of the game as Sunderland's midfield lacked any sort of presence in the absence of N'Diaye. Colback got himself booked after some awful play in the middle of the park, sluggish in bringing the ball down before giving it away and cynically fouling.</p>
<p>Sunderland finally began to get a grip of things as the game approached its end, with Fletcher and Graham linking up well. A Fletcher right footed shot was well saved by Szczesny as the Black Cats finally registered an effort on target. It was a good one at that. Soon after, it was groans all round as Danny Rose pulled up and headed down the tunnel. David Vaughan eventually made his way onto the field after a period of Arsenal dominance at 10 v 10.</p>
<p>Sunderland had finally found their rhythm, creating chances and shooting on goal. A Bramble flick on was headed toward goal by Fletcher but Arsenal's Polish goalkeeper proved to be its match. Bramble himself then had a chance from a corner, which left the Stadium of Light in a state of stunned silence. I was at the other end of the ground and must admit to being a little unsure of exactly what had occurred but it seemed a good chance had been passed up.</p>
<p>Injury time was even more frantic than the opening 5 minutes. Adam Johnson forced a save from Szczesny, cutting in from the right and shooting at goal, while Arsenal had two magnificent opportunities to seal the points. Both Giroud and Cazorla shot over when they should have squared the ball for a tap in. It was unfortunately not costly for the Gunners as Sunderland ran out of ideas and time.</p>
<p><i>Follow further match reaction, including Player Ratings in our Match Stream, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/9/3970130/sunderland-vs-arsenal-live-coverage-match-report-final-score">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/9/3970148/match-report-sunderland-arsenal-premier-league-final-score-2013CraigClark2013-02-09T14:10:23+00:002013-02-09T14:10:23+00:00Sunderland Vs Arsenal: Confirmed Lineups
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<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland take on Arsenal at the Stadium Of Light today in a difficult encounter. The teams are in though, and here they are...</p> <p>Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is without the services of Connor Wickham who has been shipped off to Sheffield Wednesday while James McClean is also missing after picking up a knock whilst away on international duty this midweek with Ireland.</p>
<p>O'Neill does have the option of bringing back Lee Cattermole however, and he has chosen to do that. We can only hope that Cattermole is fully fit after previous attempts to rush him back from injury too early have ended disastrously. Cattermole comes in at the expense of Seb Larsson.</p>
<p>After coming through 45 minutes at Reading last week, Danny Rose also starts for Sunderland in place of David Vaughan, with Jack Colback moving into midfield.</p>
<p>O'Neill has resisted temptation to start with Danny Graham who has to settle for a spot on the bench, alongside fellow injury returnee Carlos Cuellar</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-4-1-1): </b>Simon Mignolet; Craig Gardner, Titus Bramble, John O'Shea, Danny Rose; Jack Colback, Lee Cattermole, Alfred N'Diaye, Stephane Sessegnon, Adam Johnson, Steven Fletcher.</p>
<p><b>Substitutes: </b>Keiren Westwood, Carlos Cuellar, Phil Bardsley, Kader Mangane, Seb Larsson, David Vaughan, Danny Graham</p>
<p>Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has had some injury concerns in defence but Per Mertesacker is fit to start for the visitors and takes his place there alongside Laurent Koscielny. Thomas Vermaelen sits this one out.</p>
<p>The rest of the Arsenal team is very much as expected with perhaps the only 'shock' omission that of Lukas Podolski who is dropped to the bench at the expense of Aaron Ramsey.</p>
<p><b>Arsenal (4-2-3-1): </b>Wojciech Szczesny; Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal; Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere; Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott; Olivier Giroud</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Vito Mannone, Abou Diaby, Thomas Rosicky, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson, Ignasi Miquel.</p>
<p><i>Follow all the action today in our Match Stream <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/9/3970130/sunderland-vs-arsenal-live-coverage-match-report-final-score">HERE</a>, or on Twitter live, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/RokerReport">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/9/3970138/sunderland-vs-arsenal-confirmed-lineupsSimonWalsh2013-02-08T15:00:04+00:002013-02-08T15:00:04+00:00Preview: Sunderland Looking To Gun Down Arsenal
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O0ARps0Mh_yeir0hD0ZAA7iJTH8=/778x99:3367x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7845787/150452456.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Julian Finney</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sunderland host Arsenal this weekend hoping to get back to winning ways after last weeks dismal showing against Reading. Can they? Will they? Everything you need to make an informed decision is here in our preview!</p> <h4><b>Sunderland Team News</b></h4>
<p>Danny Graham is expected to make his first Sunderland start after Martin O'Neill indicated that the former Swansea City man can form an understanding with Steven Fletcher.</p>
<p>Graham's inclusion is likely to shake up the composition of Sunderland's midfield, and with Seb Larsson's industry a favourable characteristic for O'Neill, Stephane Sessegnon may find himself out of the side.</p>
<p>Having made his return to action from the substitute's bench in the defeat to Reading, Danny Rose will be pushing for a start.</p>
<h4><b>Arsenal Team News</b></h4>
<p>Captain Thomas Vermaelen remains sidelined by an ankle injury, whilst fellow defender Laurent Koscielny picked up a calf injury on international duty, although it seems unlikely to keep him out.</p>
<p>Kieran Gibbs is also absent, meaning Nacho Monreal will continue at left-back, and Arsene Wenger has the option of including Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin - both of whom have returned to action.</p>
<h4><b>Predicted Lineups</b></h4>
<p><b>Sunderland: </b>Mignolet; Gardner, Bramble, O'Shea, Rose; Larsson, N'Diaye, Vaughan, Johnson; Fletcher; Graham</p>
<p><b>Arsenal: </b>Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Arteta; Walcott, Wilshere, Podolski; Giroud</p>
<h4><b>Key Matchup: Danny Rose Vs Theo Walcott</b></h4>
<p>A tussle between two speedsters; Walcott's form has only been bettered recently by Olivier Giroud, which is likely to see the England man deployed on the right-hand side of Arsenal's attack. Rose's anticipation and speed are essential in countering such a threat, but if the Tottenham loanee is able to repel that, then Walcott is not the most adept at protecting the vulnerable Bacary Sagna at right-back. Rose's tendency to get forward and influence attacks could prove fruitful.</p>
<h4><b>Recent Form: LWWDW</b></h4>
<p>Loss: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal (Mata 6, Lampard pen 16; Walcott 58)</p>
<p>Win: Arsenal 5-1 West Ham United (Podolski 22, Giroud 47, 57, Cazorla 53, Walcott 54; Collison 18)</p>
<p>Win: Brighton and Hove Albion 2-3 Arsenal (Barnes 32, Ulloa 62; Giroud 16, 56, Walcott 85)</p>
<p>Draw: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool (Giroud 64, Walcott 67; Suarez 5, Henderson 60)</p>
<p>Win: Arsenal 1-0 Stoke City (Podolski 78)</p>
<h4><b>Last Time Around: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal, 11/02/12</b></h4>
<p>The last league meeting at the Stadium of Light saw Thierry Henry end his loan spell at Arsenal on a high.</p>
<p>After James McClean had passed the bumbling Per Mertesacker to fire home, Aaron Ramsey equalised for the visitors. And, in the final minute, Henry got the final touch to give his side all three points.</p>
<h4><b>The Ref: Anthony Taylor</b></h4>
<p>One of the busiest officials this season having shown five red cards, Taylor has spent the majority of this season in the Premier League.</p>
<p>The Manchester-based referee has overseen just one Sunderland game this season - the 3-2 win over Wigan Athletic - but the Black Cats drew both league outings with him in the middle last season, in one of which he sent Craig Gardner off.</p>
<p>Hopefully the home side give him no reason to influence proceedings on Saturday.</p>
<h4><b>What The Managers Said</b></h4>
<p><b>Martin O'Neill:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>We need those levels of effort and application again.</p>
<p>Arsenal have seen the emergence of one or two younger players and, especially going forward, they are absolutely excellent. I think they're a fine side.</p>
<p> But it is important to try to get back to winning ways because we had been on a good run.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Arsene Wenger:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Sunderland have good offensive potential, but we have to make up ground in this game.</p>
<p>We are behind and we have to focus on us to win games. The gap is not too big.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4><b>Roker Report Predicts</b></h4>
<p>As O'Neill said, the momentum generated with a few results took a hit last time out, but the fact that Arsenal have kept just three clean sheets on the road suggests Sunderland will have chances in this game. With that in mind, we'll go with a 1-1 draw.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/8/3967010/preview-sunderland-looking-to-gun-down-arsenalKarlJones2013-02-08T10:00:02+00:002013-02-08T10:00:02+00:00Fan Focus: Thoughts From The Short Fuse
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<figcaption>Julian Finney</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We were all to happy to chat with Ted Harwood from Arsenal's SBN Blog, The Short Fuse to talk all things Arsenal, Santi Carzola, Arsene Wenger's coat and tomorrow's clash at The Stadium of Light</p> <p><b>It seems like an age ago since our two respective sides played out a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season, how would you assess what would appear to have been a turbulent term for The Gunners?</b></p>
<p><i>Ted Harwood:</i> Assessing Arsenal this year is tricky mainly because they've been so inconsistent. There are a group of matches from which they've scored about four goals on average, and then there are a group of matches--the majority of them--where scoring even one has been agony. This probably has been the case for a while, but having players like <span>Robin van Persie</span> or <span>Cesc Fabregas</span> before made things look smoother. This year, it's taken a little bit of time for the side to really come together, but <span>Olivier Giroud</span> seems to have found his rhythm now at center forward, and if the defenders can stop having moments of madness, Arsenal should be more consistent to finish out the year.</p>
<p><b><span>Theo Walcott</span> has been the subject of much debate this year, both with regards his contract and best position on the pitch. It must have been a relief to see the lad finally put pen to paper and let his football do the talking, which has spoke volumes recently?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>It was. It was, mainly because Arsenal don't have anyone else who can do what Theo does. His pace is a good counterweight to the technique of the other attackers--when he's not in the side, Arsenal can struggle to get behind defenses and create chances. Deeper-lying teams can still give him issues if he comes inside, but he has now brought his pace together with crisp finishing and strength to hold off most challenges. His crossing has also improved.</p>
<p><b>Santi Carzola has been a delight to watch as a neutral. As someone who watches him week-in-week-out how valuable is he to Arsenal?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>He is quite valuable. I think people maybe got a little too excited in August and September, but he is a valuable player. Unfortunately, he's hardly had a chance to rest most of the season--he has the most minutes under his belt of anyone on the team--and this has meant that recently he's looked a little sluggish. When he's sluggish and struggling to create chances for Giroud, Theo, and <span>Lukas Podolski</span>, things bog down. <span>Jack Wilshere's</span> return has helped Santi probably more than anything, because Wilshere drives forward more easily than Santi does. Arsenal seem to do a little better when Jack can take up a no. 10 position and allow Santi to move out wider. Santi also has lost his shooting touch a bit recently, but overall, he is still very valuable, being one of our most creative players.</p>
<p><b>Will Wenger ever sign a decent keeper?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>I think Szczesny is pretty good. He still has issues on corners at times, but he's also only 22.</p>
<p><b>And whats with that coat of his?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>He does like that long coat. I don't know why. It's sort of a bizarrely long, weird looking thing. The zipper breaking was highly amusing.</p>
<p><b>Sorry, I got distracted... A quiet transfer window for Arsenal. Whilst Nacho Monreal comes with a lot of promise, is Santos really that bad to force Wenger's hand following Gibbs' injury?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>Santos was okay at times last year as an attacker, but he's never been a solid defender. He came with that reputation. Unfortunately, injury and lack of match fitness have made him a liability. Monreal was slated to come in the summer either way, but Gibbs' injury moved that up the agenda. I think people would've liked to see some more depth at striker come in and maybe also a defensive midfielder/destroyer, but we know that Wenger has specific targets in mind usually, and we know that he doesn't like to pay over what he thinks a player's value is. Strikers were hard to come by this window (Ba aside).</p>
<p><b>On to Saturday, should be a good game, how can you see Wenger setting up his side to win the game?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>Wenger doesn't like to alter things too much to suit different situations, so a fairly standard setup should be in order. The one thing that makes that a little tricky, of course, is the internationals this week. For that reason, players who have rested such as <span>Mikel Arteta</span> and <span>Abou Diaby</span> will probably start in midfield. Cazorla will probably return as an attacking mid. Jack Wilshere may need some rest, and so might Theo Walcott. Gervinho has returned to the squad, so he could feature and let Walcott come off of the bench. If Arsenal are chasing a result late, Wilshere and Walcott would probably be the first off of the bench in that case.</p>
<p><b>Conversely are there any areas in the Arsenal side <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> could look to capitalise upon?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i><span>Bacary Sagna</span> is a bit out of form, and <span>Per Mertesacker</span> is slow. If speedy wings and forwards find room to attack, I'd guess that it would be up the left side. On paper, <span>Danny Graham</span> and Stephen Fletcher both should be players that Mert can handle, but with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> defense, there's always another fun little incident around every corner.</p>
<p><b>Any Sunderland player in particular you believe could cause you problems?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>The best way to disrupt Arsenal and get straight at their defense is to constantly press in the midfield, and Sunderland have had some success with this approach in the past; for some reason, that sounds like a <span>Lee Cattermole</span> job to me, but I guess that depends on whether he is declared fit for Saturday.</p>
<p><b>Finally, a prediction?</b></p>
<p><i>TH: </i>I think it will be pretty tight. I'd say 1-1.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p><i>Many thanks to Ted for joining us this week. Be sure to check out </i><a href="http://www.theshortfuse.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Short Fuse</i></a> <i>post match for their perspective on the game and give the guys a follow on </i><a href="https://twitter.com/TheShortFuse" target="_blank"><i>Twitter</i> </a><i>if you are that way inclined. We also answered some of their questions too, which you can read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theshortfuse.com/2013/2/7/3962440/arsenal-sunderland-2013-premier-league">here</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/8/3964264/fan-focus-thoughts-from-the-short-fuseDavid Boyle2013-02-07T17:00:07+00:002013-02-07T17:00:07+00:00Roker Riches: Gunning For, Gunning For Gold!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hj0ezSvAZDvp5Xd4RLGzog3F7Xc=/0x31:560x404/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7786629/139271576.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Back once again with more betting selections from Sunderland vs Arsenal this weekend and the rest of the footballing action. Oh, and we also have a winning bet from last time to brag about, t'was a decent shout as well</p> <h4>Week Twenty-Five Recap</h4>
<table align="center" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Pundit</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Last Week's Profit/Loss</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Current Balance</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Craig Clark</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£19.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£23.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Karl Jones</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£10.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Simon Walsh</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£4.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£8.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Luke Bowley</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£6.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£4.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dan Williams</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£4.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">David Boyle</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£5.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£7.20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Chris Weatherspoon</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£19.50</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><br>New recruit to the betting team Craig Clark stole the limelight this week with his fantastic 9/1 over and under 2.5 goals quad - a really nice bet which paid dividends and sent him straight to the top of the leaderboard. Not that its any great feat these days as the rest of us continue to struggle to add any cash to our coffers.</p>
<p>There's always this week though, right?</p>
<h4>Karl Jones</h4>
<p>After another shut-out, it's probably time to mix it up a little bit. So we'll go with a scorecast - the appletini of football betting.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> are generously priced as a result of their middling home form, but haven't fared too badly against Arsenal in recent seasons. I'm hoping that trend continues, with the only difference from this season's opening day draw against the Gunners coming in the form of <span>Steven Fletcher</span> goal to snatch a victory.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, we'll go for sound-at-home Norwich to beat indifferent-on-the-road <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a>, Leicester to keep charging through teams, Coventry to win at home, Port Vale to keep out-scoring teams, and, finally, Malaga to beat Levante. That should keep everyone busy.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Steven Fletcher first goal, Sunderland to win 1-0 - 55/1 - £2 Stake</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a> to beat Fulham, Leicester City to beat Peterborough United, Coventry City to beat Yeovil, Port Vale to beat Barnet, Malaga to beat Levante - 46/1 - £2 Stake</span></span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Dan Williams</h4>
<p>It's fair to say that I'm not wholly optimistic about the weekend's game. Although I haven't actually seen us play for a while now, we lost against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a> and depending on what Sunderland (and Arsenal) for that matter teams turn up at the weekend, we could be on a hiding to nothing. Reasons for picking the scoreline? Brings in mucho money - Sunderland to be winning 1-0 at half-time, Arsenal to win 3-1 at full-time.</p>
<p>Since David Flitcroft took over at Barnsley following Keith Hill's sacking, we've won five games out of six, and kept clean sheets in four of those games. Boro haven't been setting the world alight recently, and got tonked at Ipswich last time out. I'll back Barnsley for another tight victory.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Sunderland 1-0 half time, Arsenal 3-1 full time - 90/1 - £2 Stake</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Barnsley to beat Boro 1-0 - 12/1 - £2 Stake</span></span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Luke Bowley</h4>
<p>After last week's disappointing defeat to Reading, Sunderland need a big performance this week. Giving <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> problems, I think we've got a good chance of doing that. I can see us nicking this one, but it'll probably be a tight game with few goals. 9 of the last 11 meetings between the sides have seen fewer than 3 goals, so for that reason I'm going for under 2.5 goals in this game.</p>
<p>Elsewhere I'm just going to make a simple single bet in an attempt to claw back some money. Sean O'Driscoll's Bristol City face Forest for the first time since he was harshly sacked by the Nottingham club. City have looked revitalised since his arrival, which is in stark contrast to a Forest side in disarray. Whether or not the departure of charisma-vacuum Alex McLeish lifts the team remains to be seen, but with Bristol City at home, and with good odds for a win, I'm going to plump for them.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Sunderland v Arsenal under 2.5 goals - 5/6 - £5 Stake</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Bristol City to beat Nottingham Forest - 7/4 - £5 Stake</span></span></li>
</ul>
<h4>David Boyle</h4>
<p>The role of <span>Theo Walcott</span> within Arsenal's setup has been discussed to death by the footballing media this season but for me it really doesn't matter as he has the pace and ability to cause problems from either the wing or through the middle. It is the Englishman's pace and touch with the ball at his feet that really has me worried this weekend and can see him grabbing a goal.</p>
<p>I'm going to stick with the Premier League this weekend and go for a solid looking home double consisting of Norwich and Manchester United at a decent little price of 4/1.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Theo Walcott anytime goalscorer - 17/10 - £2.50 Stake</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Norwich and Manchester United to win - 4/1 - £2.50 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Craig Clark</h4>
<p>I'm expecting our game with Arsenal to follow a similar pattern to the one against Swansea. Last season saw us win in the FA Cup but lose in the Premier League against the Gunners at the Stadium of Light. With this in mind, I think it'll be a stalemate on this occasion. I'm going for a draw at half time, draw at full time.</p>
<p>My over/under 2.5 goals bet paid dividends last week and I'm banking on QPR being involved in another tight game, this time with Swansea City. The Welsh side have failed to score in their last two games while Rangers' last 5 league games have all returned fewer than 2.5 goals. I'm returning to the Bundesliga for over 2.5 goals in Hannover versus Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt versus Nurnburg and Bayern Munich versus Schalke. Bayern and Frankfurt score an average of 2.6 and 2.5 goals per game at home so should prove to be safe choices.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sunderland v Arsenal - Draw/Draw - 4/1 - £2 stake</li>
<li>QPR Vs Swansea, Under 2.5 Goals plus Over 2.5 Goals in Hannover Vs Hoffenheim, Frankfurt Vs Nurnberg and Bayern Vs Schalke - 7.19/1 - £3 Stake</li>
</ul>
<h4>Simon Walsh</h4>
<p>Welcome back losers, because that's what you are if you've been following my tips! Anyway for this weekend's game against Arsenal I'm strangely confident. Previous results suggest we're going to get battered or get a sneaky win, so I can't be backing the former can I? I'll take a straight up Sunderland win at 10/3.</p>
<p>Elsewhere in the footballsphere I'm looking at wins for Swansea, Nancy, Xerez and Deportivo La Coruna. Don't ask why, there's not much reasoning.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Sunderland to beat Arsenal - 10/3 - £3 Stake</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Swansea, Nancy, Xerez and Deportivo La Coruna all to win - 19/1 - £2 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<h4></h4>
<h4></h4>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/2/7/3960178/roker-riches-gunning-for-gunning-for-goldDavid Boyle