Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview: Big Game for Gunners

Arsenal are fresh off a win against Anderlecht that had all the makings of a match that could kick start their season. But winning in the Premier League has been nothing short of impossible for the Gunners as of late. Luckily for them, they’ll match up against a Sunderland side that, as you can see from our scouting report, should be easy.

But what do we know about Arsenal? Nothing is easy.

That being said, I can see an Arsenal victory in the cards, and a comfortable one at that. Arsenal vs Sunderland Prediction: 3-1. Here are the three keys to the game.

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1) Alexis Sanchez

Alexis is literally the spark that is trying to ignite the fire at Arsenal. Every game he is everywhere on the pitch, exerting his influence more than anyone could have imagined. Every attack is his idea and Arsenal will literally live or die based on Alexis performance. We haven’t been a one-man show since van Persie, but we’re getting dangerously close. I see him scoring two goals.

2) Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey is coming back from an injury and he’s failed to reach last season’s form. But statistics show that he’s better when Jack Wilshere is off the pitch and it just so happens that last year’s brace at Sunderland is what propelled Ramsey to his epic season. A little bit of deja vu would be an awesome gift to famished Arsenal fans. I see Ramsey getting back on the score sheet as well.

3) The Defense

Or lack there of. Arsenal’s defense is shaky, but we know this. Laurent Kocielny is out and it falls entirely on Per Mertesacker to hold his own as well as the right side of the defense in order. With Chambers and Bellerin both young and impetuous, they are prone to mistakes. Lucky for Per, Gibbs is as solid as they come at left back.

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