Arsenal is absolutely on fire, folks. Their perfect start to the new Premier League season is a serious statement, and they are rolling into the Stadium of Light this Saturday at 20:00 BST to face Sunderland. This team just dominated Napoli in the Champions League midweek, and they have won all three of their league games so far, looking sharp as they defend their title from last season.
Martin Odegaard Is Making Arsenal Untouchable Right Now
Look, the Gunners are good, but Martin Odegaard is playing like a man possessed. This dude netted only one goal all of last season, right? Now he has *four* in five games already this term. That includes the absolute rocket he put away against Napoli, the sweet strike from the edge of the box that capped off an insane 29-pass move. What a goal! There is a clear tactical shift happening with Odegaard; he is getting way more touches in dangerous areas, and it shows. His shots, expected goals, and touches in the opposition box are all up per 90 minutes compared to last year. Plus, he is making those crucial cross-option runs into the box. He made only 10 across all of last season, but he is already at seven this Premier League term! That is a guy who wants to score.
Sunderland’s Tough Road Ahead
Now, Sunderland has shown some bounce after their opening-weekend loss to Ipswich Town. They grabbed four points from their games against Fulham at home and then Brentford away, so they are not just rolling over. And let’s not forget last season when they gave Arsenal some real grief. Dan Ballard’s goal in November 2025 was the first time Mikel Arteta’s squad had conceded in eight games then, and Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time strike earned them a 2-2 draw. They absolutely can give Arsenal a bloody nose. But here is the brutal truth: beating the Gunners has been a nightmare for Sunderland. They have won only one of their last 14 league games against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. In 29 Premier League meetings against Arsenal, they have just one single victory and are currently winless in 17 matches! Head coach Regis le Bris has them playing a direct style, moving the ball forward fast, which might be their best shot against a team like Arsenal that will likely hog the ball.
Even with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba out injured, Arsenal’s defense has been lockdown. Their win over Napoli was their third clean sheet in four games, and across their past three matchups, they have conceded a measly 0.93 xG, which is the lowest in the division. So, can Sunderland finally break their awful streak against the Gunners at home, or will Arsenal keep rolling and prove why they are the defending champs? We will find out Saturday if Sunderland can disarm the Gunners, or if Arsenal’s perfect start continues its march!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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