Roker Report - Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2014-10-27T15:17:46+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/68334782014-10-27T15:17:46+00:002014-10-27T15:17:46+00:00Tactics: Arsenal (H) - Sunderland Solid But Stupid
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<figcaption>Gareth Copley</figcaption>
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<p>Individual errors from Wes Brown and Vito Mannone cost Sunderland dearly as the Black Cats slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.</p> <h4>Line up</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Gus Poyet made two changes to the side beaten 8-0 by Southampton a week ago. Adam Johnson and Jack Rodwell returned to first team action for the Black Cats, replacing Connor Wickham and Jordi Gomez respectively.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Santiago Vergini retained his place at right-back despite his struggles at St Mary’s, meaning new signing Anthony Revelierre had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland lined up in their usual 4-1-4-1 formation.</p>
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<h4>Opposition</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Arsenal returned to Premier League duty on the back of a dramatic late turnaround against Galatasaray in midweek. The Gunners flipped the tie on its head in the closing minutes on Wednesday evening to record a remarkable 2-1 victory over the Turkish giants, but the rigors of Champions League football will no doubt have left Arsene Wenger’s side somewhat jaded ahead of their trip north to the Stadium of Light.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Wenger made two changes to the side that drew 2-2 at home to Hull City last weekend. Mikel Arteta replaced the suspended Jack Wilshire in centre-midfield, and Callum Chambers returned at right-back with Hector Bellerin dropping to the bench.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Arsenal lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.</p>
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<img alt="SAFC V AFC " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DpvylqexLTNa-2OwH3kg2KrDpaM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2395202/line_up_SAFC_V_AFC.0.png">
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<h4>Approach</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland conceded eight last time out, so it’s a given that this week in training there will have been special focus on ensuring the side were prepared defensively for the visit of such an attack-minded outfit. However, Arsenal are noticeably vulnerable in defensive areas themselves, and they can be got at with the correct approach.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Without the ball Wenger encourages high-pressing from his side- especially his front four, but for this approach to be effective it’s vital that Arsenal’s defence maintain a high line, and so far this season they haven’t been. Subsequently Arsenal have often appeared unbalanced, and have been caught leaving large amounts of space centrally which can be overloaded and exploited on the counter.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">I’d like to think this is something Poyet will have targeted as a way to gain a positive result from the game, especially considering Arsenal’s distinct lack of metal in their current sitting midfield players.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One thing is for sure, the Sunderland manager will certainly have called for a positive reaction from his players on Saturday following the level of performance last weekend.</p>
<h4>Execution</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland made a positive start to the game and looked hungry and determined to right the wrongs of last weekend.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In defensive phases, Sunderland were approaching the game correctly. Without the ball Poyet’s side were retreating into a narrow and compact shape making sure to defend only the width of the box - this is the perfect approach to neutralise the attacking threat of a side such as Arsenal. Sunderland were allowing Arsenal to take up advanced wide positions, but the level of danger this was posing was minimal considering the side’s only real attacking aerial threat – Olivier Giroud- was absent from the game.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arsenal crosses" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r9bCuolnQ9exUMd8HuBk9Zf4NQE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2395286/Arsenal_crosses.0.png">
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<p class="MsoNormal">As you can see from the visual above, this defensive approach was extremely successful over the course of 90 minutes with Arsenal only managing to connect one out of 22 attempted crosses. In fact, up until the first goal, the Gunners had only been allowed three attempts on Sunderland’s goal all of which were from long range and were off-target.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland weren’t controlling the play, nor were they showing any real signs of taking the lead, but they were neutralising Arsenal and had a very steady foothold in the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The opening goal nevertheless you cannot legislate for, and it’s another individual error that has really cost Sunderland. Like last weekend, Poyet’s side were playing ok before going behind, but were undone by a needless and careless mistake and a player of Wes Brown’s experience should know better.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland’s response to going behind was this week a lot more positive. For the remainder of the game I felt the side succeeded in maintaining their shape, and performed well defensively while pushing for the equaliser. Unfortunately however, it appears at the moment that Sunderland simply don’t have the tools to sufficiently threaten going forward.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From an attacking standpoint, the Black Cats were tepid, predictable and ultimately ineffective. The final ball was nowhere near good enough on the day and the side looked altogether devoid of ideas.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The absence of Billy Jones has really told in the last two games. It’s clear that Poyet wants to play with two attacking, overlapping full-backs – and he has that in Patrick Van Aanholt- but the presence of Santiago Vergini at right-back on Saturday left Sunderland looking incredibly unbalanced.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Patrick Van Aanholt second half attacking influence. </i></p>
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<img alt="PVA attacking" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UGKGbjcGoA2KXHps1N9qDR_0TK8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2395482/PVA_attacking_dash.0.png">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Santiago Vergini second half attacking influence. </i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">As you can see there's a huge difference in the level of support offered by each full-back. Now I know that Vergini is a stand in right-back, and I'm not expecting the Argentinian to offer a serious attacking threat, the point is without the presence of an out and out right-back it then becomes difficult for your right-sided midfielder to have an influence on the game - and this showed in Adam Johnson's performance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It's then that you look to the middle for answers - and again this is an area where Sunderland are lacking. Ki Sung-Yeung is a noticeable absentee in the team. The Korean brought a huge amount of real quality and creativity last season, and he's a player that I feel hasn't been sufficiently replaced.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For much of the second half Arsenal were operating with a makeshift defence, yet it was far too easy for them to sustain their clean sheet, and Wojciech Szczęsny was rarely threatened. There's a distinct lack of match winners, problem players and the kind of figure that can prove a handful for opposition teams. Players like Stephane Sessegnon once required special attention, but there's nobody there now that can pull apart the shape of a side and create space for others to work in.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Sunderland chased the game there also appeared to be no real plan B, and the lack of attacking variety means Poyet cannot locate an opponents specific weakness and exploit it - he can only attack one way. This showed on the day as Sunderland continued to hopelessly bang on the door to no avail.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another mistake late on by Vito Mannone handed Arsenal a second goal and the three points.</p>
<h4>Conclusion</h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Sunderland again the masters of their own undoing in a game where I believe the Black Cats should have walked away with a point. Defensively, Poyet’s side were solid and Arsenal were failing to really threaten. Had it not been for those two unforced errors, Sunderland may have gained a more positive result.</p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">That’s two defeats in a row now after what had been a steady start to the season. Sunderland have slipped into the relegation zone ahead of next weekend, but I feel that the real problem lies in recruitment rather than Poyet’s direct in-game tactics.</p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">There simply isn’t the dimensions available to change a game. Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Alvarez are two players that could perhaps have provided some much needed attacking impetus on Saturday, and there absence was notable.</p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Poyet must shoulder some of the blame for not bringing in sufficient options to call upon, but until January, he must now figure out a way his current side can pose a threat.</p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The Uruguayan has a tough week ahead preparing for Crystal Palace next Monday, and it’s hugely important that Sunderland come away from Selhurst Park with at least a point.</p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/10/27/7077363/talking-tactics-arsenal-h-sunderland-solid-but-stupidAlexander Stebbings2014-10-25T17:49:48+01:002014-10-25T17:49:48+01:00Sunderland 0- 2 Arsenal: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland lost yet again, here's how they played</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Vito Mannone</span> - 4</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Struggled early on, made the straight forward saves but ultimately his mistake at the end may prove costly for Vito as his confidence looks shot.</span></p>
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<p><b><span>Santiago Vergini</span> - 7</b></p>
<p>Santi looked pretty decent after the mess off last week, even showing off some skills in unnecessary areas at unnecessary times but the crowd enjoyed it.</p>
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<p><b>Patrick Van Aanholt - 7</b></p>
<p>Patrick continues to improve, looked fine defensively and helped out when he could going forward even looking like a relatively decent threat going forward.</p>
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<p><b>John O’Shea - 7</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>O’Shea looked locked in today, sitting deep but relatively comfortable with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> never looking like scoring from open play apart from late counter attacks.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Wes Brown</span> - 3</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Looked shaky, highlighted by his unforgivable back pass or lack off back pass. He continued to look nervous throughout the game. Not sure what’s happened to Wes but his recent form isn’t good.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Lee Cattermole</span> - 6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Lee did his usual again. Inevitably got booked again but it was a poor decision from the ref.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Jack Rodwell</span> - 6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>It was an improved performance from Jack. He tried to get forward when he could and had a header saved in the second half.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Seb Larrson - 6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Nothing special from Seb, again he did his usual closing down but nothing with any quality going forward to create a goal.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Adam Johnson</span> -6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Adam looked fresher after last week’s display. He looked lively as an attacking option but could have taken on Gibbs more after he was booked in the first half.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Will Buckley -6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Will got the crowd going early on with his runs. Looked like a threat but his final ball and decisions need to improve if <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> are to start scoring.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Steven Fletcher</span> - 5</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>He played as the lone striker which Steven can’t play, so hopefully Gus has now realised this. Fletcher tried his best but just couldn’t hold the ball up well enough and only lasted about 50 minutes.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Jordi Gomez - 6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Jordi came on and looked decent as he tried to find a defence splitting pass but inevitably he couldn’t. Just average.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Jozy Altidore</span> - 5</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Actually ran about a bit today but didn’t make any meaningful runs in behind which nullified what Gomez was trying to do. He scuffed a shot and looped a header in the air……….need I say more.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Connor Wickham</span> - 7</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Connor came on and played as a central striker but kept drifting out to the wing. Still though he played well when cutting inside and if Sunderland were to score he would’ve been involved.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Man Of The Match: </span></b><span>Considering the circumstances from last week, I’d give this to Santiago Vergini, he looked a lot more assured, confident and didn’t do a lot wrong, also got forward well.</span></p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/10/25/7070005/sunderland-0-2-arsenal-player-ratingsDavid McColgan2014-10-25T17:02:04+01:002014-10-25T17:02:04+01:00SAFC 0- 2 Arsenal: Errors Prove Costly for Cats
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland battled hard against Arsenal but were undone by two defensive mistakes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>An improved performance from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> resulted in another defeat as two goals were handed on a plate to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland started the game brightly in the first couple of minutes with Buckley making runs down the left forcing the Gunners back, however normal service resumed after 5 mins as Arsenal started to control possession. <p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The first chance of the game came for Arsenal on 10 mins. A low cross from the right was spilled by Mannone straight into the penalty area but O’Shea was there to make the clearance.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Arsenal were having all the possession but they were being limited to long range efforts with Welbeck having a shot flash over and Arteta pulling his shot wide.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland were content to sit deep and hit Arsenal on the counter attack preventing Welbeck or Alexis getting in behind. The Black Cats first chance of the game came through a counter attack after Brown’s clearance found Johnson who ran down the wing, fed Larrson who slipped Van Aanholt through on the left only for him to be denied by a last ditch tackle from Mertesacker before getting his shot away.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>After settling into the game Sunderland found another way of beating themselves. With 30 mins played and Sunderland mounting pressure after a series of set pieces <span>Wes Brown</span> fluffed his back pass to Mannone when a simpler pass to Van Aanholt was on, allowing Alexis to run through on goal finishing delightfully over Mannone.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>It looked as if the wheels were coming off now as Arsenal upped the pressure with the Sunderland defence looking nervous and unable to clear anything. A shot from Cazorla whistled just past the post on 33 mins and Chambers was denied by an on rushing Mannone. Sunderland saw the first half out making sure they stayed in the game, but really should have been level.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland again started the second half well and were nearly level through Jack Rodwell. An attack down the right concluded with Larrson whipping a dangerous ball in for Rodwell whose header was saved low down by Szczesny. <p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Refereeing decisions have been going against Sunderland this season and it continued today on 60 mins when Flamini slid in two – footed uncontrollably on <span>Adam Johnson</span> which should have been a red card; however Kevin Friend failed to even award a free kick. And his decisions continued to baffle two minutes later as he gave <span>Lee Cattermole</span> a yellow card for minimal contact on Oxlade-Chamberlain. <p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Black Cats were in the ascendency now and Seb Larrson unleashed a shot on 64 mins but it was straight at the Keeper.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The game turned into a scrappy affair with the introduction of the substitutions, but Sunderland continued to be the more dominant team, however they lacked a cutting edge up front to convert any chances.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Arsenal nearly killed the game on 80 mins after Monreal’s cross found Welbeck but his header went narrowly over. At the other end Szczesny came off his line to the edge of the box to head clear, leaving an open net but Van Aanholt’s long range effort went wide.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland had Arsenal camped on their own 18 yard box but just couldn't find a way through with Gomez and Van Aanholt looking dangerous setting up Cattermole for a shot but he pulled it wide.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Arsenal made it two when Mannone’s poor touch from Buckley’s back pass allowed Alexis to double his account and condemn Sunderland to another league defeat. <p></p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Sunderland </span></b><b><span>(4-3-3)</span></b><b><span>:</span></b><span> Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell (Gomez 73’), Johnson (Altidore 73’), Buckley, Fletcher (Wickham 50’).<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Subs:</span></b><span> Pantilimon, Reveillere, Bridcutt, Mavrias, Gomez, Altidore, Wickham.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>Goals: None<p></p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span><p> </p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Arsenal </span></b><b><span>(4-3-3)</span></b><b><span>:</span></b><span> Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs (Bellerin 72’), Arteta (Ramsey 87’), Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Rosicky 90’), Cazorla, Alexis, Welbeck.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Subs:</span></b><span> Martinez, Bellerin, Ramsey, Campbell, Rosicky, Walcott, Podolski.<p></p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>Goals: Alexis 30’, 90+2’<p></p></span></i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/10/25/7069861/sunderland-0-2-arsenal-defensive-howlers-hand-gunners-the-winDavid McColgan2014-10-25T14:14:43+01:002014-10-25T14:14:43+01:00Sunderland vs Arsenal: Confirmed Line-ups
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<img alt="Gus Poyet arrives for today's game." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5syOE2DzOAnGtFkds87gW0p_aHQ=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42687318/457831042.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gus Poyet arrives for today's game. | Gareth Copley</figcaption>
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<p>The teams are in as Sunderland take on Arsenal and look to bounce back from last week's humiliating defeat at Southampton.</p> <p>Gus Poyet makes two changes from the side that was beaten 8-0 at Southampton last week, with Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson taking the place of Jordi Gomez and Connor Wickham, who both drop to the bench.</p>
<p>New signing Anthony Réveillère takes his place on the substitutes bench but will hopefully have to wait to make his debut.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-3-3): </b>Mannone; Vergini, O'Shea (c), Brown, van Aanholt; Larsson Cattermole, Rodwell; Buckley, Fletcher, Johnson.</p>
<p><b>Subs: </b>Pantilimon, Réveillère, Bridcutt, Mavrias, Gomez, Wickham, Altidore.</p>
<p>Former Sunderland loanee Danny Welbeck starts for Arsenal, while Mikael Arteta and Callum Chambers replace Jack Wilshire and Hector Bellerin in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up.</p>
<p>Theo Walcott makes his return from a long-term injury but will be restricted to a place on the bench.</p>
<p><b>Arsenal (4-2-3-1): </b>Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Alexis; Welbeck.</p>
<p><b>Subs: </b>Martinez, Bellerin, Ramsey, Campbell, Rosicky, Walcott, Podolski.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/10/25/7069431/sunderland-vs-arsenal-confirmed-line-upsAndy Tomlinson2014-10-24T18:02:32+01:002014-10-24T18:02:32+01:00Preview: Positive Response Required
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<img alt="Former Arsenal 'keeper Vito Mannone will hope to put last weekend behind him" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9PXZB4rq5r0Gf_u1bf6DFu5divg=/0x220:2990x2213/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42602966/453682910.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Former Arsenal 'keeper Vito Mannone will hope to put last weekend behind him | Stu Forster</figcaption>
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<p>Let's not dwell on last week too much - it was just one (embarrassing) defeat. The perfect tonic would be to witness those players who get the nod to face Arsenal giving everything they've got in order to consign the memory of last Saturday's thrashing to the dustbin of history! </p> <h3>Sunderland Team News</h3>
<p>New signing Anthony Reveillere could be in line to make his debut for the club at right-back should his international clearance arrive in time, which would come in handy with Billy Jones crocked.</p>
<p>Argentine Ricky Alvarez is edging closer to fitness but this Saturday will come too soon, while Sebastian Coates and Emanuele Giaccherini are still out.</p>
<h3>Arsenal Team News</h3>
<p>Jack Wilshere is suspended due to five yellow cards, so Mikel Arteta is likely to step in. There was talk earlier in the week of a return to action for long-term injury victim Theo Walcott, but the latest news suggests that he'll probably be made to wait until the next fixture comes around.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil, David Ospina, Abou Diaby and Olivier Giroud are continuing their rehabilitation from injuries and won't feature.</p>
<h3>Predicted Line-Ups</h3>
<p><a href="http://sharemytactics.com/29190/" title="Click to view tactic"><img src="http://sharemytactics.com/29190/Sunderland-Arsenal-formation-tactics.png" alt="Sunderland vs Arsenal - Football tactics and formations"></a></p>
<p><strong>SAFC (4-1-4-1):</strong> Mannone; Reveillere, O'Shea, Brown, van Aanholt; Cattermole; Johnson, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham; Fletcher.</p>
<p><strong>AFC (4-1-4-1):</strong> Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Flamini; Alexis, Ramsey, Arteta, Cazorla; Welbeck.</p>
<h3>Key Match-Up: Wes Brown v Danny Welbeck</h3>
<p>Welbeck has started well for his new club Arsenal after a £16million move from Old Trafford in the summer and he will be relishing the opportunity to return to a ground where he made a major career breakthrough during a season-long loan at Sunderland in 2010-11.</p>
<p>Steve Bruce gave Welbeck his big chance and he grabbed it with both hands by producing a string of excellent performances and forcing his way into the reckoning for England as a result.</p>
<p>It'll potentially be his former Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown who'll be tasked with the job of keeping the livewire forward at bay and his intimate knowledge of his younger opponent from their days together in the north-west could prove vital.</p>
<p>23-year-old Welbeck's pace is a concern and it'll require all of Brown's experience and positional awareness to keep him quiet.</p>
<h3>Sunderland Recent League Form: DWL</h3>
<p>Draw: Swansea City (H) 0-0</p>
<p>Win: Stoke City (H) 3-1</p>
<p>Loss: Southampton (A) 0-8</p>
<h3>Arsenal Recent League Form: DLD </h3>
<p>Draw: Tottenham Hotspur (H) 1-1</p>
<p>Loss: Chelsea (A) 0-2</p>
<p>Draw: Hull City (H) 2-2</p>
<h3>Last Time Around: Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal (14/09/2013)</h3>
<p>Arsenal gave a debut to German international Mesut Ozil following his mega-money move from Real Madrid and his class shone through with the Gunners running out eventual winners having been made to withstand significant pressure from the home side for long spells of the match.</p>
<p>Ozil skilfully set up Giroud for the opener on 11 minutes, but they failed to capatilise on their advantage and substitute Craig Gardner made them pay with an equaliser from the penalty spot early into the second half.</p>
<p>Sunderland had chances to take the lead prior to a body blow delivered by Aaron Ramsay just after the hour, but the Black Cats just kept on coming. Jozy Altidore wrestled with Bacary Sagna and managed to trickle the ball over the line only for play to be pulled back for a supposed foul against the US international.</p>
<p>A lovely one-two between Ramsey and Giroud led to the Welshman's second of the game with 14 minutes remaining and the Wearsiders' valiant challenge was effectively over at that stage.</p>
<h3>The Ref: Kevin Friend</h3>
<p>Leicester-based referee Kevin Friend takes charge of Saturday's encounter having given out one red card throughout the whole of last season and that was shown in the direction of Wes Brown at Stoke City in November 2013.</p>
<p>Friend has been officiating in the top-flight since 2009-10 and oversees a Sunderland game for the first time of this campaign so far tomorrow.</p>
<h3>What The Managers Said</h3>
<p><strong>Gus Poyet:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"I want to go back to basics. I want to see the team performing and defending in a certain way, being on their game, being difficult to beat and taking advantage of the opposition’s weaknesses. <p></p></span></i></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"This week the idea was to analyse the last game and focus on Arsenal because it is a difficult game and it has been a few years since we beat them at home in the league.<p></p></span></i></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"Arsenal still have a certain style and they will move the ball well.<p></p></span></i></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"The idea is to play the game under certain concentration levels and be very good on the ball, making sure we make it very difficult for them and not as easy as last weekend."<p></p></span></i></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Arsene Wenger:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"I consider every Premier League game winnable, but every game can also be a danger.<p></p></span></i></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"You win the games by producing the best performance you can and that’s what we have to do.<p></p></span></i></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span>"I believe that last year we were very consistent against teams (like Sunderland) so let’s be inspired by that."</span></i><span><p></p></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h3>Roker Report Predicts </h3>
<p>Sunderland's home form hasn't been too bad after posting three draws and a win so far in the league and they've proved hard to beat, so that must provide some optimism at least.</p>
<p>Arsenal, meanwhile, drew with Hull City away from home last time out thanks to a last-gasp equalising goal from Danny Welbeck and they've surprisingly only won one more Premier League game than the Black Cats this term despite sitting in seventh place.</p>
<p>However, there's a massive question mark hanging over the type of response Gus Poyet's men will conjure after the demoralising defeat at the hands of Southampton last weekend.</p>
<p>At the very least, fans will expect a display full of fighting spirit and a willingness to run all day from each and every one of the players who are selected.</p>
<p>Alas, I fear even the hosts' best efforts will be in vain with the Gunners claiming all three points by a narrow margin.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/10/24/7056813/preview-positive-response-requiredDavid Lee Wheatley