Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned his players to expect another difficult encounter when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Gunners dropped points at Sunderland in the corresponding fixture last season after conceding a late equaliser, with Brian Brobbey scoring in the closing stages to secure a 2-2 draw.
Arteta said the experience had provided valuable 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,” Arteta said in a preview published on Arsenal’s website.
“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.”
Reflecting on last season’s encounter, Arteta added: “Last year, we dropped points there, especially in the last minutes. We experienced and learned a lot from that game.
“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.”
Arsenal head into the fixture with a perfect start to the campaign, having won their opening five matches.
The Gunners have also won their last three Premier League away games and have suffered just one defeat in their last 12 league matches on the road.
However, Sunderland have established themselves as a difficult side 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 and will be looking to their supporters to create another intimidating atmosphere for Arsenal.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris acknowledged the quality of the visitors but said his team would rely on their underdog mentality and strong connection with the 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,” Le Bris said.
“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.”
Arsenal have historically dominated the Premier League meetings between the two clubs, winning 18 of their last 29 encounters, while Sunderland have recorded one victory and 10 draws.
The Gunners have also lost just once in their last 14 Premier League visits to the Stadium of Light, although that impressive record did not stop Sunderland from earning a point in last season’s meeting.
