StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

PAUL MERSON TIPS UNDERDOG SIDE TO DISRUPT ARSENAL’S WINNING STREAK

Paul Merson warns that high-flying Arsenal could be tripped up by surprise package Sunderland. The pundit believes the Black Cats' speed and organisation will test the league leaders.

Paul Merson Tips Underdog Side To Disrupt Arsenal’s Winning Streak
Merson Warns Arsenal About Sunderland - COURTESY/PHOTO

Right now, Arsenal has a sizable lead and is riding high at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta's club is unquestionably the best in the league after winning every game in October without giving up a goal.

The Gunners are now clear favourites to win both the league title and Europe's top competition thanks to an almost unbeatable defensive unit. One of the main reasons for this achievement is the recruitment campaign that took place last summer, which gave Arteta's team the ideal mix of depth and talent.

Merson spots what could be a roadblock.


In recent weeks, Arsenal has had a favourable run of games, and this trend is expected to continue in the upcoming games. It comes after a tough campaign opening in which they played Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

But one team might end that winning streak, according to Sky Sports analyst and former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson. Merson stated in his Sky Sports piece that Sunderland, given their recent success, will be the team to cause the Gunners trouble.

Merson remarked, "I thought Arsenal had such an easy run of games when I saw their fixtures recently." However, Sunderland will put up a fierce fight against them at the Stadium of Light in a few weeks.

Arsenal will have issues with Sunderland. They are a fast-paced, athletic team. They counter with speed and are well-organised and trained. On the counter, they also choose the appropriate pass and make wise selections. When they possessed the ball (against Chelsea), they did not waste it. You have to admit that they are secure, and I was really impressed with them at Stamford Bridge.

Le Bris's successful debut for Sunderland


Sunderland, who were just promoted, have been the season's surprise gem under the leadership of former Gunner Granit Xhaka. They have had an incredible start under Regis Le Bris, and their recent comeback victory over Chelsea moved them up to fourth place. Surprisingly, the Black Cats are only 5 points behind the Gunners at the top of the Premier League standings after 9 games, and they are ahead of both Man City and Liverpool.

Merson's warning is further supported by the Black Cats' perfect home record. On November 1st, Arsenal will play Burnley in the Premier League. A week later, they will travel to Sunderland. As the schedule gets more intense, they will compete in the Carabao Cup against Brighton and the Champions League against Slavia Prague in between.

DAVID MOYES' INJURY NIGHTMARE: DEWSBURY-HALL AND JACK GREALISH SCARE AFTER CHELSEA DEFEAT

Everton's loss to Chelsea came at a steep price: Moyes confirmed Jack Grealish's hamstring injury after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's early exit.

top-news
Dewsbury-Hall Injury Disrupts Moyes' Game Plan

Moyes Talks Grealish Injury Scare After Everton's Loss to Chelsea

Everton manager David Moyes discussed Jack Grealish's injury scare following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's knock during their match against Chelsea. The Toffees lost 2-0 to the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto scoring for the home side. This defeat marked Everton's sixth in the Premier League this season, dropping them to eighth place.

Palmer Shines in Chelsea's Victory

Chelsea's Palmer made a strong return from injury, scoring his first goal for the Blues since September in their 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday. Palmer opened the scoring, and Gusto then increased Chelsea's lead. Everton struggled to trouble Enzo Maresca's team, who secured their first win in five matches across all competitions.

Palmer told BBC Sport post-match, The game is never over. We had chances we missed. Overall, I'm happy with the clean sheet and our play. We know we're better with Cole. He was out for a while, but now he's back and will help us.

Maresca praised James and Gusto, who scored and assisted against Everton, saying, They're good players who can play anywhere—full-back, midfield. Gusto took his chance, assisting Cole, so I'm happy for him. Not winning every game doesn't mean we can't compete for titles. Not conceding is a team effort, from Joao Pedro's press to Alejandro Garnacho's.

Moyes Comments on Injury Concerns

Dewsbury-Hall was forced off early in the 16th minute due to injury, replaced by Carlos Alcaraz. Grealish also reported a hamstring issue after the game.

Moyes said about Grealish, Jack felt his hamstring, so we need to be careful.

Regarding Dewsbury-Hall, Moyes added, It threw us off for about 10-15 minutes. I thought we started well. We then conceded. It's tough to be too disappointed with much of what we did. But I'm disappointed we didn't win, and we have a couple of injuries. I'm not disappointed in the players' effort.

Maresca Assesses Chelsea's Performance

When discussing his team's performance against Everton, Maresca told reporters, I commend the players for performing well despite many issues after a difficult week. The last 48 hours were the worst since I joined the club because we lacked support. I'm happy for Malo, whose effort, along with the team's, shows their commitment to the club. The worst 48 hours since joining because people didn’t support the team or me. When asked if the issue was internal or related to supporters, he explained, "In general." I love the fans, and I am very happy with the fans.

Chelsea's Busy December

Chelsea has four games remaining in December, starting with a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Cardiff City on Tuesday. They will end 2025 with Premier League matches against Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth.

VAR ERROR: FORMER PGMOL CHIEF SAYS HWANG HEE-CHAN TACKLE ON LEWIS-SKELLY WAS RED CARD

Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett claims Hwang Hee-Chan should have been sent off for a studs-up challenge on Myles Lewis-Skelly in Wolves' loss to Arsenal.

top-news
Wolves Star Hwang Should Have Seen a Red Card vs Arsenal

According to Keith Hackett, a former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee, Rob Edwards’ team was very lucky not to have a player sent off in their 2-1 loss to Arsenal this past Saturday.

Hackett told Football Insider that Hwang Hee-Chan should have been shown a red card after his challenge on Myles Lewis-Skelly on December 13.

Wolves are likely to be relegated from the Premier League this season. Their situation got worse when Yerson Mosquera scored an own goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Edwards’ team managed to keep Viktor Gyokeres quiet, but two own goals meant they left North London empty-handed. It could easily have been a bigger defeat, too.

Hwang Hee-Chan stays on the pitch against Arsenal

In the 60th minute, Hwang went in for a challenge on Lewis-Skelly with his studs showing. VAR looked at it to see if it was a red card offense, but the ref wasn't asked to review it on the monitor.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former ref said, When you watch that challenge, there’s no question this player used excessive force [which warrants a red card].

“He goes into the challenge fast with a straight leg, studs showing, and even though it's low, it still puts his opponent in danger. The player's feet were off the ground, so he couldn't stop or change direction.

“I'm sure the excuse will be that ‘we stuck with yellow because the challenge was low down,’ but I think there was some intent in the challenge. It should have been red.”

Wolves get closer to Premier League relegation.

Burnley, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United are also struggling to stay up, alongside Wolves. Their chances of staying in the league seem to be fading fast.

There was a glimmer of hope when Tolo Arokodare scored his first Premier League goal in the 90th minute. But that hope was destroyed four minutes later when Mosquera headed the ball into his own net.

Edwards can take some positives from the game. They matched the league leaders for most of the match. Still, they are at the bottom of the table with only two points from 16 games.

They are running out of time to get some points.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News