Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has revealed how his side plan to disrupt Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night.
The Black Cats held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture last season and Le Bris wants to use similar ingredients again.
His plan centres on aggressive pressing, competing for second balls and using Sunderland’s home support to increase the intensity against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Le Bris outlines Sunderland plan against Arsenal
Speaking before the game, Le Bris told VAVEL that Sunderland need to make the evening “as uncomfortable and as difficult as possible for Arsenal.”
The Frenchman believes the Stadium of Light crowd can play a major role.
He described Sunderland’s supporters as a “powerful driver”, explaining that proactive football can create energy for pressing, second balls and counter-attacks.
That gives Arsenal a clear indication of what to expect.
Le Bris is unlikely to ask Sunderland to simply defend around their penalty area. Instead, the hosts want to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and attack quickly when possession changes hands.
The approach worked effectively at times last season.
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw on Wearside, and Sunderland again showed their ability to threaten on the break during last weekend’s draw with Brentford.
Arteta’s side will therefore need to control transitions and withstand the early pressure.
Sunderland do have selection problems. Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle have both been ruled out, giving Le Bris fewer options ahead of the game.
Former Arsenal target Malick Fofana could still feature after making his first Sunderland start in midweek.
ReadArsenal has already explained why Arsenal walked away from a move for Fofana before his eventual switch to Wearside.
Supporters can also find the Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off information before Saturday’s 8pm BST kick-off.
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