Sunderland face ‘weakened’ Arsenal

Arsenal are suffering from a depleted squad at the moment and there’s an argument for saying now is a good time for Sunderland to face them. I don’t buy it. Arsene Wenger’s team has significant strength in depth and despite quality players missing there are others that can instantly slot in their place.

Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin are all inured, along with Mikel Arteta and importantly Santiago Cazorla. In fact Theo Walcott and Koscielny are also doubts. However, I agree with Sam Allardyce’s view - whatever team the Gunners field will be good enough to cause any team in the Premier League problems. Speaking on the subject recently the Sunderland Manager said:

“I think the strength in depth of Arsenal’s squad is why they’ve always qualified for Europe and finished in the top four. It weakens the side slightly, we have a better chance when those players are not playing, but they’ve still got a top-quality squad of international players throughout. If we can play our very best game, then those weaknesses may be able to be exploited. Our best form will be needed if people consider Arsenal weaker without those players. We’ve got a particularly difficult December; the challenge for us is to maintain our results. The lads will hopefully show that confidence and determination on Saturday.”

Sunderland have a few injury concerns of their own but as you’d expect less has been made of that by the national press this week. Unfortunately Seb Larsson and Jermain Defoe are unavailable due to knee and hamstring problems respectively. In addition Jack Rodwell has been out, in characteristic fashion, for a while now due to his own hamstring niggles. It’s unfortunate that the Black Cats haven’t been able to field a regular starting eleven for various reasons since the start of the season. Typically, just as Big Sam’s men have benefited from back to back wins, star striker Defoe is sidelined. In contrast, Leicester haven’t had that difficulty and having Jamie Vardy on the pitch in successive games has surely helped them get where they are in the league.

One other talking point is of course Sunderland’s formation. Two wins which have been borne from using 3-5-2. I would suggest that we stick with it in order to try and get a winning formula established. I’m sure most supporters would be keen to see Allardyce continue with 3-5-2 too, slotting in players to that system when required, as long as it doesn’t involve putting square pegs in round holes of course.

One of the things that has impressed me most about Big Sam since his arrival is the fact he has appeared to assess what playing staff he has available and then adapted the system to fit. It’s always felt very much like previous head coaches/managers have tried to enforce a brand of football onto a set of players that haven’t always suited it.

However Sunderland will go into the game against Arsene Wenger’s men full of confidence. Given the run of games that face the Black Cats in the weeks ahead and injuries aside, a positive performance with additional points on the board would be just the tonic, sending those supporting red and white away very happy indeed.