Paul Merson believes one team will ‘give Arsenal problems’ as they proceed their quest to finally win the Premier League again.
The Gunners have emerged because the frontrunners to change into champions after going 4 points clear at the highest of the table following Sunday’s win over Crystal Palace.
Furthermore, essential title rivals Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are dropping points, with many, including Gary Neville, certain that that is the season Mikel Arteta finally gets his hands on the trophy.
Across all competitions, Arsenal have won 11 of 13 games, conceding just three goals, with a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool and a 1-1 draw with Man City the one blemishes on their record.
They do have a tough month of fixtures ahead of them nevertheless, including London derbies against Tottenham and Chelsea, and a blockbuster Champions League match with Bayern Munich.
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But Merson has singled out a special upcoming game which might be very difficult for his former club, and it’s one which he initially thought could be an easy win.
‘After I saw Arsenal’s fixtures recently, I assumed they’d such a straightforward run of games,’ the Gunners hero wrote in his Sky Sports column.
‘But, in a few weeks, Sunderland are going to provide them such a tough game on the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will cause Arsenal problems.
‘They’re an athletic team with pace. They’re well drilled and organised, they usually counter with pace. Additionally they make the fitting decisions on the counter, picking the fitting pass. They didn’t waste the ball once they had it.
‘I used to be so impressed with them at Stamford Bridge, and you have got to say they’re protected. They were superb.’
Returning to the Premier League for the primary time since 2017, Sunderland were one among the favourites for relegation, however the Black Cats have enjoyed a sensational begin to the season.
Regis Le Bris’ side have lost just two of their opening nine games and Saturday’s stunning 2-1 victory at Chelsea has moved them as much as fourth within the table, five points behind Arsenal.
Key to their scintillating form is former Gunners captain Granit Xhaka who joined the North East club from Bayer Leverkusen in a surprise summer transfer.
Where will Sunderland finish this season?
‘Whoever is in command of Sunderland’s recruitment needs a knighthood,’ Merson added.
‘Xhaka has been some buy, but it surely shouldn’t be just him. Every player that has are available in has been exceptional.
‘I don’t need to put any unnecessary pressure on them, but they don’t need to worry about relegation now after this start. They need one other 4 or five wins in 29 football matches and I expect them to try this easy.’
Arsenal visit the Stadium of Light on November 8 but first up they’ve a Carabao Cup clash against Brighton on Wednesday night.
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