Jeff Stelling shares ‘only cloud’ at Sunderland after dramatic draw vs Arsenal
Sunderland are riding a wave of euphoria following their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Saturday evening.
Brian Brobbey’s 94th-minute equaliser sent the Stadium of Light into delirium as the Black Cats became just the third team to take points off the league leaders.
The result moved Sunderland up to fourth in the Premier League table, and there is real optimism that Regis Le Bris’ side can challenge for the top half after promotion.
Following Sunderland’s fantastic draw against Arsenal, Jeff Stelling highlighted the potential worry of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the Black Cats later in the year as the only downside.
AFCON sparks worry for Sunderland in January
AFCON takes place from 21 December – 18 January, with the tournament being held in Morocco.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 10 November, Stelling highlighted that the only thing that could burst Sunderland’s bubble is the upcoming tournament.
He said: “The only cloud for Sunderland at the moment is the Africa Cup of Nations. Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, who had a lovely cameo when he came on against Arsenal, Habib Diarra, and Reinildo will all be away with their countries.
“It will be tough for Sunderland to maintain that form.”
Sunderland players who could feature in AFCON:
- Goalkeepers: Blondy Nna Noukeu (Cameroon)
- Defenders: Reinildo (Mozambique), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
- Midfielders: Habib Diarra (Senegal), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
- Attackers: Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), Ahmed Abdullahi (Nigeria)
Whilst that will be a concern for Le Bris, he’ll only be looking towards the next match against Fulham on 22 November.
As for the fans, they’ll just be savouring every moment of their remarkable Premier League run so far, and AFCON is the last thing on their minds.
It is a worry later down the line, but based on current evidence, the Black Cats will be ready to adapt as their players leave for international duty in mid-December.
With Sadiki and Diarra certain to be unavailable, it provides the perfect chance for the likes of Dan Neil and Chris Rigg to step up in their absence alongside Granit Xhaka.
- Read more: Micky Gray moots impossible England call-up for Sunderland star after what he did vs Arsenal
AFCON offers opportunity for Sunderland’s fringe players to impress
Le Bris has already spoken on the AFCON issue, highlighting that Sunderland’s squad depth will be crucial around the Christmas period.
Neil has hardly featured for Sunderland this season, and the playoff-winning captain’s future hangs in the balance.
AFCON will allow him to showcase his worth in the top flight, and the same can be said for Rigg.
The youngster has started three matches, and he’ll need to be fully focused when he steps in for the impressive Sadiki if given that chance.
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