Supercomputer predicts outcome of Sunderland vs Arsenal in Premier League showdown
Sunderland will be the underdogs against Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Monday saw Sunderland draw 1-1 with Everton, extending the Black Cats’ unbeaten run to three Premier League games.
Granit Xhaka scored the equaliser for Regis Le Bris‘ side, who had gone 1-0 down in the first 15 minutes when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a lapse moment of defending to fire past Robin Roefs.
Sunderland thought that Noah Sadiki had been fouled in the build-up to Ndiaye’s goal, and were incensed when the video assistant referee took no further action.
Enzo Le Fee said that he was not happy with the point against Everton, and his viewpoint will have been shared by many, such have the standards risen at the Stadium of Light this season.
Sunderland will need to cause an upset vs Arsenal
Xhaka was in incredible form against Everton, and the midfielder will likely have an extra spring in his step for the visit of Arsenal.
The Switzerland international spent seven years with the Gunners, despite looking set to leave on several occasions before he eventually did.
The most notable of which came in 2019, when the 33-year-old was substituted against Crystal Palace and was subsequently booed off by the Arsenal fans.
Mikel Arteta’s arrival saw Xhaka stay, however, and take on a new role that he still performs to this day.
When he left in 2023, he did so with his head held high, as the Emirates Stadium faithful collectively chanted on his final appearance: “Granit Xhaka, we want you to stay“.
Past friendships will be thrown out of the window on Saturday, however, with Sunderland hoping to beat the 69.2 per cent chance of an Arsenal win that has been predicted by Opta‘s supercomputer.
The Black Cats have been given just a 13.8 per cent chance of beating the Premier League leaders, while the supercomputer has given a 17 per cent chance of a draw.
Sunderland will need to do what seven teams before them could not
Arsenal have plenty of attacking talent. Bukayo Saka is always a danger, and the additions of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze have seen the Gunners score 18 goals so far this league season.
But it is their defence that has stolen all of the headlines so far.
| Arsenal | Premier League 2025-26 | Rank |
| Goals conceded | 3 | 1st |
| Goals conceded per match | 0.3 | 1st |
| Expected goals against (xGA) | 5.7 | 1st |
| Saves per match | 1.6 | 20th |
| Clean sheets | 7 | 1st |
Arteta’s team have not conceded a goal in their last seven games across all competitions, and have faced just one shot on target across their last four Premier League games.
Injuries have started to pile up for Arsenal in recent weeks, however, and could provide Sunderland with a chance to lean on the Stadium of Light atmosphere and put the Gunners under serious pressure.
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