16th May 2017 Kickoff: 1945hrs Arsenal v Sunderland – Football – England – Premier League Tuesday has the potential to be a defining day in the battle for fourth place in the Premier League. With three points separating Manchester City and Arsenal, there is no margin for error from either as both clubs approach their final two games of the season. Liverpool can still be caught as will in third spot, however that would require them to falter at home to already Middlesbrough side on Sunday. Although probably, it’s realistic to expect that only one of City and Arsenal will be playing Champions League football, making Tuesday’s home match with Sunderland a must win for the North London club.
Arsenal appeared set to miss out on qualifying for the Champions League for the first time under Arsene Wenger only a few weeks ago, and whilst they are still the underdogs in the battle with City to do so, it’s looking far more likely than it once was. Three excellent wins in six days against Manchester United, Southampton and Stoke have revived their hopes of finishing in the top four. The defeat to Tottenham in the derby aside, it’s actually been a really positive period of the Gunners’ season which has also seen them reach the FA Cup final to be played against Chelsea later this month. With ongoing uncertainty around Wenger’s future it remains to be seen what is in the club’s longer term future but they have certainly given themselves an opportunity of usurping City.
The sooner this season ends for Sunderland the better. It’s been a disaster from start to finish ever since David Moyes took over from Sam Allardyce and whilst he has not been helped with the lack of investment, his own performance has also been rightfully scrutinized. The Black Cats are rock bottom in the Premier League with just six wins all season. Despite a brief glimmer of hope towards the end of 2016 when they managed three wins in four games, relegation has pretty much been an inevitability for much of the campaign. Their record in this calendar year has only underlined who poor they have been collectively, avoiding defeat in just six of their 17 league games – winning only two. Moyes has indicated that he is keen to stay on as Sunderland attempt to return to the top flight at the first time of asking but there is such a dearth of quality in the squad that they would be up against it to win promotion from the Championship.
Arsenal v Sunderland Betting Tip
There’s no questioning Sunderland’s desire or commitment to the cause, evidenced by their gutsy 2-0 win at Hull a week past on Saturday, but that only gets you so far in the Premier League. Aside from Jermaine Defoe there is just no quality in the squad capable of turning games and making the difference. Arsenal, on the other hand, have plenty of those players at their disposal – some of which have been accused of not showing the correct attitude. The difference in quality was no more apparent than when Arsenal won 4-1 at the Stadium of Light back in October. Oliver Giroud and Alexis Sanchez were the difference on that occasion as the duo notched a brace each and the two accounted for three of their team’s goals against Stoke on Sunday.
Once it’s official that a team who have been threatened with relegation for so long are eventually consigned to their fate, it can often reduce the pressure that the players have been playing under. That may have been the case against Hull for this Sunderland team but Saturday’s home loss against Swansea was another disappointing effort. Arsenal have returned to a level of form that is much closer to their capability and are notoriously strong finishers. You fear for the visitors in these circumstances and I fail to see how they put up much resistance. The bet that stands out is for Giroud to continue his good scoring record against Sunderland (seven goals in four seasons) and find the net for the third straight game.
Giroud to score in 90 minutes 10/11 @ Stan James
