City, England – This Saturday, Sunderland and Arsenal go head-to-head for some serious top-of-the-table pressure at the Stadium of Light.
Who would have thought this matchup would be vibing at the top of the Premier League table in November? Well, last season’s Championship play-off winners, Sunderland, dey show say dem no wan carry last. With a solid fourth place, na only four points separate them and leaders Arsenal, who dey shine like diamond on six clear points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Sunderland dey collect 18 points dis season, the most any newly promoted side don gather after 10 games since Hull City back in 2008/09. E no be small miracle o! Dem dey undefeated for their last five home games (3 wins and 2 draws) after dem recently settle for draw with Everton. The last time dem enjoy such fine form na between August and December 2010 under Steve Bruce.
Last time out, dem fit no win, but if Everton no waste chances for first half, dem go don collect the three points. Na captain Granit Xhaka wey score de equalizer for Sunderland after he return to his old club. Xhaka dey hot now, after he score him first goal for Sunderland colors, e dey look to score back-to-back goals for Premier League for the first time since March 2023.
But make we no forget say Sunderland don dey struggle against top sides—23 matches without a win against top four teams (7 draws, 16 losses). The last time dem even beat any of the top guns na April 2014 when dem knock Chelsea. Now, Arsenal dey come with five straight wins for dem last five Premier League fixtures, plus 10 wins across all competitions. No be small fire!
Arsenal own defense get better as dem don only allow one shot on target in the last four matches. With an average of 1.9 faced each game this season, dem de show say dem na serious contenders. Na only Man City dey score better when dey dey ahead on the scoreboard.
But cheer up, Sunderland fans! Arsenal don dey shakara when dem dey face dem for away games. All three of Arsenal’s Premier League losses to Sunderland don happen for away ground with a 1-0 scoreline each time. Na dem home ground, Arsenal never collect more than one goal against Sunderland in 16 visits!
As both teams prepare for this big clash, both coaches don’t dey strategize. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta sabi say Sunderland go bring di fire. E don already warn say dem need to adjust quick to avoid surprises as the Black Cats don dey tough for dis season.
Regis Le Bris, Sunderland coach, don dey talk big for his side too. E say dem have to show bravery and no dey fear, otherwise Arsenal go punish dem. Na wah! This match fit change di table, no be joke.
As dem dey ready to hit di pitch, let’s hope for lots of action, grit, and maybe some high drama as Sunderland look to grab dem first win against Arsenal since 2009. We dey expect say Sunderland go bring di noise, and Arsenal go show why dem dey top di league!
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