(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Sunderland could achieve feat not seen in 13 years in upcoming Arsenal showdown

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Sunderland host Arsenal on Saturday, aiming to beat the Premier League leaders for the first time since 2012.

It is another tough game for Regis Le Bris’ side as they look to end the Gunners’ sensational form that has taken them to the top of the table.

Sunderland’s draw against Everton on Monday pushed them up to fourth in the Premier League, just seven points off Arsenal.

Now, this gap could be cut to four points if a surprise victory is achieved at the Stadium of Light, especially with Arsenal already weakened ahead of the tie.

However, Sunderland have often struggled against the Premier League leaders.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris looks deep in thought.
Regis Le Bris has overseen many memorable victories this campaign (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland have terrible record against top four Premier League sides

Despite multiple impressive victories this season, including Sunderland’s late win over Chelsea, they are yet to beat anyone that has started the day inside the top four.

In recent times, the Black Cats have had a terrible record against these sides, with BBC Sport on 6 November confirming that they are winless in their last 23 Premier League matches in this scenario.

Their last victory against a side that started the day in the top four was in April 2014, when Sunderland famously ended Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten Premier League home run with a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

However, for their last win against the table toppers, you would have to go back to January 2012, when the Black Cats beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s head-to-head record against Arsenal 

While Sunderland have a solid record against Arsenal overall, recently that have been terrible against the Gunners.

The Black Cats’ last victory against the North London side came in February 2012 in a 2-0 win in the FA Cup.

Sunderland's head-to-head record against Arsenal
Wins 50
Draws 41
Losses 63
Sunderland have a solid overall record against Arsenal

However, this is their only victory against Arsenal in their last 18 meetings, with Sunderland losing 13 of these matches.

Therefore, Le Bris will need to produce to magic if he is to put an end to this dreadful run on Saturday.

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Regis Le Bris
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