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How did Mikel Merino become a goalscorer?
By Luke Power
Few thought that Mikel Merino would ever be leading the line for Arenal when he signed as fairly neutrally-minded midfielder in the summer of 2024.
But he stepped up when needed up front last campaign, notching nine goals, and was back in the limelight in midweek with two goals against Slavia Prague.
Here's a long read on how he has done it by our Arsenal reporter Isaan Khan.
Sunderland soak up the good times
By Luke Power
Not to put a downer on things, but events over at local rivals Middlesbrough serves as a reminder to Sunderland fans that loyalty in football can be a fragile thing.
It looks as if Rob Edwards is going to walk out on Middlesbrough to join Wolves. You wonder how long it will be before somebody comes calling for Regis Le Bris at the Stadium of Light.
He's done an impeccable job since he has come in, getting them promoted via the play-offs and now having them in a Champions League spot.
May it last, the Sunderland fans hope.
Sunderland announce their starting XI
By Luke Power
It's an unchanged team from Regis Le Bris from the team that drew 1-1 against Everton. Confidence in his men.
Arsenal release their line-up
By Luke Power
Mikel Arteta makes three changes from the side that beat Slavia Prague 3-0 on Tuesday night.
Calafiori, Zubimendi, and Eze come in.
Hincapie, Norgaard, and Nwaneri are sacrificed.
Gyokeres is still out injured so it appears Merino will lead the line again after scoring twice in midweek.
Arsenal looking to extend lead
By Luke Power
Arsenal can go a whopping nine points clear of Manchester City if they win today.
Obviously, City then play Liverpool tomorrow and can re-bridge the gap, but what a statement it would be at this stage of the season to almost be leading them by double figures.
Sunderland will have something to say about that and can go second, just four points behind Mikel Arteta's men, if they win today.
Which Sunderland will show up?
By Luke Power
Sunderland have made the best start out of any promoted team in the Premier League for the last 17 years.
Their haul of 18 points from 10 games puts them fifth in the Premier League.
But Sunderland fans with a decent memory will remember when times were harder.
Perennial strugglers in the top flight the last time they were here, Arsenal were particularly stern opponents.
The Black Cats are winless in their last 15 Premier League assignments against the Gunners, having lost 10 of those and drawn five.
