EPL: Arteta Warns Arsenal Not to Repeat Sunderland Mistake

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned his players to be prepared for another difficult encounter when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, after they dropped points in the corresponding fixture last season.

The Gunners surrendered a late lead in the 2-2 draw last season, with Brian Brobbey scoring in the closing stages to earn Sunderland a point.

Arteta said the experience had provided lessons for his side ahead of their return to the Stadium of Light.

“We experienced last season how tough it’s going to be. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere, and it’s great to play in these kinds of games. We know how ready they’re going to be. We know the importance of it and we’ll be ready to be on that pitch. We’ll compete like we always do, we’ll try to be better than the opponent and win the game.

“Last year, we dropped points there, especially in the last minutes. We experienced and learned a lot from that game for the previous one. (On Saturday), again, we’ll discuss many things that we need to be aware of and where we want to take the game, what their qualities are and how we’ll try to nullify them,” Arteta said in a preview on the club’s website.

Arsenal head into Saturday’s fixture on a perfect start to the campaign, having won their opening five matches.

They have also won their last three Premier League away matches and lost only one of their last 12 league games on the road.

However, Sunderland have proved difficult to beat at home since returning to the top flight, losing only four of their 19 Premier League home matches last season.

The Black Cats have also won their last two Premier League home games, while their supporters will be looking to create another intimidating atmosphere for the visit of the champions.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris acknowledged the challenge but said his team would rely on their underdog mentality and connection with their supporters.

“To be competitive in this kind of game, we have to be ourselves. Our underdog mentality, togetherness and connection with the fans is crucial. We have to have clarity in our game model, because they have so much flexibility.

“We have to make it as uncomfortable and as difficult as possible. The supporters are a powerful driver, but it starts from us. When we are proactive, they are behind us and they feed the energy for the press and the second ball,” Le Bris said.

Arsenal have dominated the historical Premier League meetings between the clubs, winning 18 of their last 29 encounters, while Sunderland have won once and drawn 10 times.

The visitors have also lost only once in their last 14 Premier League trips to the Stadium of Light, although that long run did not prevent Sunderland from claiming a point in last season’s meeting.