Can Sunderland Stun Arsenal at Home?

Manager Regis Le Bris

Sunderland hosts Arsenal in a crucial Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, with the visitors looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

“He's useful in different ways. His knowledge about Arsenal is important for us...”

Sunderland will need to bring their A-game if they want to stop Arsenal's winning streak, according to manager Regis Le Bris. The Black Cats have exceeded expectations with 18 points from their first 10 top-flight games since 2016-17, but Arsenal's visit will be their toughest test yet.

Le Bris is aware of the challenge ahead, stating, “We have to play our best football and if we are afraid or a bit reserved against this kind of team, we'll be punished.” Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could play a crucial role, with Le Bris tapping his brains for insights on his old club.

“We have to play our best football and if we are afraid or a bit reserved against this kind of team, we'll be punished,” the Frenchman told a news conference on Friday.

“If we're too emotional, we'll be punished. So we have to do a masterclass, we have no choice. It's a good test after 10 games in the Premier League, this game arrives in the perfect time to test us and challenge us.”

Regis Le Bris, Sunderland's manager, has praised Granit Xhaka's influence on the team, saying he's been tapping the Swiss midfielder's brains about his former club Arsenal. Xhaka's experience and leadership have been crucial to Sunderland's strong start to the season, with the team currently fourth in the Premier League table.

🎙️ RLB previews our clash with Arsenal at 1.30pm GMT today.

Watch live... 📺👇

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 7, 2025

Xhaka, 33, has been instrumental in Sunderland's success, registering one goal and three assists in 10 league games. His defensive prowess and ability to dictate play have been key to the team's solid performances. Le Bris has praised Xhaka's leadership, saying he's like a “second coach” on the pitch.

The upcoming match against Arsenal is particularly significant for Xhaka, who will face his former club for the first time. “An emotional game for myself,” Xhaka said. “To play against them here at Sunderland is very special.” Sunderland will look to Xhaka's experience and knowledge to help them pull off an upset against the Premier League leaders.

“He's useful in different ways. His knowledge about Arsenal is important for us,” Le Bris said. “We spoke together with the coaching staff all week. I think the main point is belief.

“The way he can transmit confidence to the squad, tell the players we can win something against this squad, even if they are really strong. This part is also really important.”

Sunderland are flying high, matching their best-ever start in the Premier League, a feat achieved in the 1999-00 season. Their 17 points from nine matches is the best start by a promoted team since Hull City's impressive 2008-09 campaign.

Manager Regis Le Bris will be without defender Omar Alderete for the crucial clash against Arsenal due to concussion protocols. This is a blow to Sunderland's title challenge, but Le Bris is confident in his team's ability to adapt.

🔴 RLB on Arsenal:

‘They are really strong and one of the best teams in Europe at the moment. They have top quality and great experience. It is an exciting challenge and it will be a very big test.' pic.twitter.com/4xMoXAdDv5

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 7, 2025