Arsenal
Sunderland Vs Arsenal – Line-ups, Injury News, Match Facts, Preview And Prediction
Sunderland vs Arsenal
Feb 9, 2013 at 3pm (UK)
Stadium of Lights
Premier league action resumes today after mini a interlull with the International friendlies during midweek and the Gunners will travel to the Stadium of Lights with a fond memory of a certain Thierry Henry who scored the winning goal last time around. Arsenal are currently 4 points adrift of Spurs, who are sitting in the last champions league qualification spot with Everton holding on to their 1 point lead in the 5th place.
Arsenal go in to the match on the back of a grueling 1-0 victory over Stoke City last week, while the Black Cats will be hoping to recover from a 2-1 defeat suffered at the hands of Reading, thanks to last ditch goal from Jimmy Kebe. However, Martin O’Neill’s men are quite difficult to break down in the home turf and they have managed to avoid losses in their last two home fixtures.
Martin O’Neill in is interview said:
“We had a rather stodgy game against Swansea and then I was hoping we could put that out of our minds and go on to win at Reading. A draw would have been a fair enough result but we were very disappointed to lose the game late on. It’s important to try to get back to winning ways because we had been on a good run. Arsenal have seen the emergence of one or two younger players and, especially going forward, they are absolutely excellent. I think they’re a fine side.”
Can Wilshere continue to impress?
Team News and Injury News
International friendlies have never been a real friend for Arsenal fans and this time around they will have to wait nervously until the late physical test for Laurent Koscielny who is a doubt for tonight’s game after picking up a knock during France’s match on Wednesday adding pressure to the back-line which is already missing Thomas Vermaelen.
Arsene Wenger will welcome back Theo Walcott who missed the Stoke game last week and Wilshere will return to the Arsenal squad after his heroics against Brazil which helped the Three Lions to a 2-1 victory. Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna also return to the squad unscratched and will take up their respective positions. If Koscielny do fail the fitness test, then it leaves Wenger no choice but to call up 4th choice center back Sebastien Squillaci or youngster Ignasi Miquel to the starting line-up.
Talking to the press in his pre-match interview Arsene Wenger heaped praises about Jack Wilshere, he said:
“You do not want to set any limit on the development of any player, especially when he plays at that level at his age. The most important thing for me will be to keep his passion for the game, and keep the attitude of wanting to become a better player. If he keeps these two ingredients that are not always easy, he can of course become a fantastic player. He is already one, but he can become one of the best in the world, yes. It is not just the physical aspect but the mental pressure every time he plays. We will have to manage him well physically to make sure he doesn’t face that burnout.”
Coming back to the injury news, Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has his fair share of problems on the injury front as well. James McClean suffered an ankle injury while on duty with Ireland. Lee Cattermole (knee) and Carlos Cuellar (hamstring) are also questionable to feature this weekend as they recover from their injuries.
Arsenal will be hoping for this man to start the game
Probable line-ups
Sunderland: Mignolet; N’Diaye, Bramble, O’Shea, Colback; Rose, Gardner, Vaughan, Johnson; Fletcher, Graham
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Diaby, Arteta, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott; Giroud
Match Facts
- Arsenal have not lost to Sunderland in the league since November 2009. (1-0)
- Arsenal have not failed to score since their 2-0 defeat to Man City on January 13, 7 games ago.
- 3 Arsenal players have scored over 10 goals this season – Walcott has 18, Giroud has 14 and Podolski has 12, compared to Sunderland’s one – Steven Fletcher has 10.
- Arsenal have conceded 62% of their goals in the first half of games – a league high proportion – and conceded fewer in total after the break than any other team (11).
- Sunderland have only won two league games consecutively once this season – December against Southampton and Man City.
- Sunderland’s Craig Gardener is the most booked player this season, with 8 yellow cards.
- Sunderland have won just one game against a team in the top half of the table this season (W1 D5 L7).
Prediction: 2-1 win for Arsenal.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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