| Arsenal vs Sunderland | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 13 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium of Light |
Match Preview
The expected battle between Arsenal's attack and Chelsea's defence eventually played out in dramatic fashion, although it was the Gunners' forward line that proved too much for their opponents rather than the defensive contest many had anticipated.
Morgan Rogers briefly stunned Arsenal with an early volley, but Mikel Arteta's side responded strongly. Goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard completed the comeback and ensured Arsenal began a Premier League campaign with three straight victories for only the second time in the last 22 years.
Arsenal have now won their opening five matches across all competitions this season, and another league victory at Sunderland would give them just the sixth occasion in their history of starting a top-flight campaign with four consecutive wins. The most recent instance came in 2022-23.
Defensively, the reigning champions have also been extremely impressive. Arsenal have conceded only once in every competitive fixture so far this season, including the Community Shield, and their Premier League expected goals against figure of just 0.93 is the lowest in the division.
Arteta's side have faced only six shots on target across their first three league matches. Remarkably, only one team has faced fewer — their upcoming opponents, Sunderland, who have allowed just five shots on target.
Sunderland will be hoping their defensive resilience can frustrate Arsenal as they prepare for another important fixture at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats also have European football to look forward to, with AZ Alkmaar scheduled to visit on September 16 for the opening match of Sunderland's Europa League campaign.
Before then, Regis Le Bris's side have already advanced in their pursuit of domestic silverware. Sunderland defeated fellow Premier League club Hull City 1-0 in Tuesday's EFL Cup third-round tie, with Chemsdine Talbi scoring midway through the second half.
That victory extended Sunderland's unbeaten run to three matches in all competitions. In the Premier League, they have collected four points from their last two fixtures, beating Fulham 1-0 before drawing 1-1 away to Brentford.
Sunderland have relied heavily on second-half goals during that unbeaten stretch. Enzo Le Fee's late penalty rescued a point against Brentford and left the Black Cats as the only Premier League team currently sitting with a goal difference of zero.
There is also plenty of history between these sides. Sunderland famously came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Arsenal last season, with Brian Brobbey at the centre of the celebrations.
However, Arsenal responded emphatically in February with a 3-0 victory at home. That result extended the Gunners' unbeaten Premier League run against Sunderland to 17 matches, with the Black Cats' last league victory in this fixture coming back in 2009 when Darren Bent scored the only goal.
Recent Form
Sunderland — Premier League:
L • W • D
Sunderland — All Competitions:
L • W • D • W
Arsenal — Premier League:
W • W • W
Arsenal — All Competitions:
W • W • W • W • W
Team News
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was able to rotate his squad during Wednesday's Champions League victory over Napoli, but there are still several defensive absentees to consider.
Cristhian Mosquera is dealing with a muscle problem, while Jurrien Timber has a groin issue, with both players doubtful for Saturday's trip. William Saliba remains a long-term absentee as he continues to recover from a back problem.
The Gunners did not pick up any fresh injuries during their European victory, but Arteta is expected to make several changes to his starting XI.
Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori are all candidates to return to the starting lineup. Tzolis has already made an impressive contribution since joining Arsenal, providing four assists in his first five appearances, although he is still waiting to score his first goal for the club.
Sunderland came through their recent matches without any significant new injury concerns. However, Habib Diarra remains unavailable after suffering a thigh injury against Fulham, with the midfielder expected to spend six to eight weeks on the sidelines.
Romaine Mundle is also expected to miss the remainder of 2026 following knee surgery.
Le Bris has other options in wide areas, though, with Nilson Angulo and former Arsenal transfer target Malick Fofana ahead in the pecking order.
Fofana played 79 minutes in the EFL Cup victory over Hull and could now be handed his first Premier League start, while Brobbey is expected to return to the frontline after Wilson Isidor was selected to lead the attack in midweek.
Match Outlook
Sunderland's defensive organisation will be severely tested by an Arsenal side that has won every competitive match so far this season.
The hosts have shown that they can frustrate opponents and remain unbeaten in their last three games, but Arsenal's combination of defensive solidity and attacking quality makes the visitors strong favourites.
Sunderland will look to stay compact and exploit opportunities on the counter, while Arsenal will aim to maintain their perfect start and move one step closer to another strong title challenge.