Xhaka's Emotional Return
A roundup of this weeks top stories
- Xhaka's Emotional Return - Granit Xhaka set for his first appearance against Arsenal since his summer move to Sunderland, with both managers praising the midfielder's professionalism and impact
- Injury Crisis Continues - Mikel Arteta confirmed no attacking players expected back for Sunderland clash, with Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke all still sidelined
- Jesus Returns to Training - Gabriel Jesus back in light training after lengthy knee injury lay-off, offering hope for the busy festive period ahead
- Lewis-Skelly England Snub - Myles Lewis-Skelly controversially left out of England U21 squad despite regular first-team minutes, with Arteta calling for perspective on the teenager's remarkable rise
- Carabao Cup Scheduling Chaos - Arsenal and Crystal Palace pushing hard to move Everton fixture from Sunday to Saturday to avoid brutal Thursday Sunday Tuesday schedule
- Record-Breaking Defence - Arsenal on course to break English top flight record for fewest goals conceded after 11 games.
- Set-Piece Dominance - The Gunners have scored eight Premier League goals from corners this season, the most ever by any side in their first 10 games
- Declan Rice's Evolution - now matching captain Martin Ødegaard's assist numbers in Premier League and Champions League since joining Arsenal, showcasing remarkable development
- Unbeaten Streak Hits 13 - Arsenal haven't lost in 13 games across all competitions, with 10 consecutive wins and eight straight clean sheets
- Sunderland Dominance - The Gunners unbeaten in last 15 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats, winning 12 since November 2009 defeat
- Shots on Target Stat - Arsenal have faced just 19 shots on target all season (1.9 per game), the lowest by any team Opta has on record since 2003/04
- Calafiori's Transformation - Ricardo Calafiori silencing early-season doubters with commanding performances, growing into the free-roaming left-back role
- Title Race Positioning - Six points clear at the top with Liverpool and Man City facing each other this weekend, presenting opportunity to extend advantage
Latest News
Jesus Is Back In Training
Anyone Notice Saliba Playing In That John Stones Role?
If Our Injuries Calm, We Win The League
Now The Raya Signing Seems So Obvious
The Mayor Of New York Is A Huge Arsenal Fan
We Need Him Back For Tottenham
The Agenda Continues
Kepa Back In Training
Berta Is World Class
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Our Very Own
Sunderland Vs Arsenal
Where to watch & time
Date:
8th November 2025
UK
5:30 pm
Sky Sports
US
12:30 PM ET
NBC, Universo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue & Peacock Premium
Scout Report
The Opposition
- Sunderland sitting fourth after excellent start to Premier League return
- 18 points from 10 games - best by promoted side at this stage since Hull 2008/09
- Unbeaten at Stadium of Light this season with wins over West Ham, Brentford and Wolves
- Recent form includes shock 2-1 victory at Chelsea and draw with Everton
Key Players to Watch
- Granit Xhaka - Former Gunner been revelation in central midfield, deployed on right of pairing with exceptional passing range
- Wilson Isidor - Top scorer with four goals, physical presence up front
- Dan Ballard - Hale End graduate dangerous from set-pieces, nine headed shots this season (second only to Haaland)
- Nordi Mukiele - Long throw specialist, creates genuine danger from wide areas
Tactical Approach
- Le Bris alternating between 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 formations
- Likely to deploy back three against Arsenal's attacking threat
- Highest duel success rate in Premier League - expect physical battle
- Strong defensive record, second-best in league behind Arsenal
- Enzo Le Fée skilful in wide areas, creates problems for full-backs
My View
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A win against Sunderland and a draw for Liverpool Vs City means we would be in total control of the league. Liverpool have reverted back to a team who look similar to last years champions; City also look a lot more balanced. I think the hate watching days has come to an end and we will now face a City and Liverpool we are used to. We will be hunted and to be honest, I want us to win it the hard way. We have experience now of what it feels like to get so close and i believe we will get it over the line. Last year when Liverpool dropped points, we didn't capitalise. This week is huge, 3rd away game in a row. Lets get the job done. I think it will be a tough game:
Sunderland 1 - 2 Arsenal.
— Cordell Hayes
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Burnley Vs Arsenal
3 Things We Learned From The Game
- Viktor Gyökeres delivered his best performance yet for Arsenal in the first half against Burnley, combining power, link-up play, creativity, and scoring threat before being subbed at halftime. His pressing and physicality dominated Burnley’s defenders from the outset.
- Declan Rice ran the midfield masterfully, dictating tempo with precise passing and dynamic ball carrying. His distribution stretched Burnley’s shape and he capped the display with a commanding header — showcasing his growth into a complete box-to-box leader.
- Defensively, Arsenal remained rock-solid with another clean sheet. Gabriel Magalhães led from the back and assisted Rice’s goal, Jurrien Timber impressed with composure, and Ricardo Calafiori grew into his roaming role. The unit’s understanding left Burnley with almost no chances.
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Cordell Hayes
Editor/Owner
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