Arsenal manager to rescue a valuable point against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, after going a goal behind. It keeps the gap between the the two clubs at two points but, as the Gunners have a superior goal difference, a point against Sunderland would be enough to secure them third spot and qualify them automatically for next season’s Champions League. If Arsenal can manage to get a point from their next two games, it would result in them not having to go through the play-off to qualify for the group stage for the first time since 2010. That is a big difference as it not only guarantees the club the cash windfall that playing in that competition brings with it, the difference of playing two games at such a high intensity come the end of the season, can be massive, and there were signs on Sunday that Arsenal are beginning to feel the effects of a long campaign.
I was very sceptical when Dick Advocaat took over at the Stadium of Light a couple of months ago. The Dutchman was new to the Premier League and is not a manager you would associate with being involved at clubs battling against relegation. He also came to the club unable to bring in any reinforcements due to the transfer window being closed, and his willingness to delve into the market is something he has been known for at previous clubs. Luckily for Sunderland, however, it looks like the interim manager will have the desired effect and lead the club to safety. The Black Cats do require one more point to be mathematically assured of their place in next season’s Premier League, but with Hull and Newcastle in such sire form below them, the situation is looking positive for Sunderland.
Only Manchester City and Manchester United have score more home goals in the Premier League than Arsenal, this season, but Wenger’s men have played one game less. They have been unable to add to their 37 goals at the Emirates in the last two games, though, drawing a blank against Chelsea and Swansea in recent weeks. The Arsenal supporters will be hoping that their team can put a stop to that unwanted run of form and return the form they have been used to for the majority of the season. Visiting defences have found it extremely difficult to cope with the variety of attack Arsenal have at their disposal, and one man who has certainly added to that variety this season is Alexis Sanchez. He looks likely to finish his first campaign in English football as the club’s top goalscorer, which is an excellent effort for a player who does not play as an out-and-out striker.
Since Advocaat has taken charge, there is no doubt that he has tried to get Sunderland playing a more adventurous style of football, usually opting to play three striker. Despite the change in formation, Sunderland have still found goals difficult to come by, scoring seven in the eight games the former Netherlands manager has been in charge. That will not be an immediate concern for them if they take a point from one of their last two games, however it is something that will need to be rectified for the season ahead, whoever the manager is. History shows that sides who fail average a goal a game often find themselves not only in a battle to avoid relegation, but one of the bottom three come the end of the season. Thankfully for Sunderland, as well as two sides below them have struggled for goals throughout the campaign, they boast the best defensive record of any of the bottom seven.
There will be plenty of people backing the draw on Wednesday evening as a point each will ensure Arsenal qualify automatically for the Champions League, and guarantee Sunderland’s survival. It would not be a massive surprise if that was the outcome, but that ignores what is a massive gap in quality between the two clubs. There 34 points between the two and the bookmakers certainly feel a home win is the most likely outcome. The best price of 30/100 is far too prohibitive for me to get involved with, but I can see it being a comfortable victory for Arsenal. In their 10 league wins at the Emirates in this season’s Premier League, the Gunners have scored in both halves. Sunderland, who play at Chelsea on the final day of the season, will certainly put on a spirited display to try and earn at least a draw but I can see them being outclassed for the whole game, tomorrow.
Arsenal to score in both halves 10/11 @ Sportingbet
