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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.

CONOR GALLAGHER CONFIRMED AS "VITAL" STARTER FOR SPURS FOLLOWING BENTANCUR’S INJURY LAYOFF

Conor Gallagher proved the doubters wrong against Man City. Discover why his €40m move to Tottenham is finally paying off for Spurs.

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Conor Gallagher secured first Spurs assist as Tottenham snatched a point at City

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both decided Conor Gallagher wasn’t worth the trouble. At Chelsea, he had his moments—Pochettino liked him, but the fans never really warmed up. When Chelsea shipped him off to Atletico, it made sense. Enzo Fernandez stepped up, took over Gallagher’s role, and fit in perfectly next to Caicedo, with Cole Palmer adding that extra spark up front.

Things didn’t get much better for Gallagher in Spain. He barely got a chance at Atleti, lost his spot in the starting eleven, and pretty much ended up on the transfer list before anyone had time to blink. Interest was lukewarm at best until the winter window rolled around. Aston Villa wanted him and went after him pretty aggressively, but then Tottenham swooped in late. Spurs needed someone to patch up the midfield after Bentancur’s injury, so they just paid up—40 million euros, no hesitation.

His start at Tottenham? Rough. Honestly, that was to be expected. He’d played well at Palace before, but after his struggles at Atleti, he needed time to adjust. Sitting on the bench in Spain didn’t do him any favours.

Then Gallagher showed up. People doubted whether he could really add creativity and move the ball forward for Spurs, so his early struggles got people worried. But then came the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He suddenly looked like the player both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank were so desperate to sign.

Against City, Gallagher flipped the script. He set up a crucial assist, drove play forward on the dribble, and kept drawing fouls—everything the Spurs needed. Defensively, he was all over the place in a good way: two tackles, three interceptions, a full 90 minutes, and a huge part of the Spurs clawing their way back into the game.

Tottenham fans loved it. They saw the effort, the attitude, and the hunger to win. Gallagher just wouldn’t quit, and in that second half, he, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke ran the show. Four of those guys have been carrying Spurs lately, so Gallagher is fitting right in with them. That’s a pretty good sign he’s going to work out just fine in North London.

AC MILAN MEDICAL FAILURE: THE HIDDEN KNEE INJURY THAT CRUSHED MATETA’S £30M MOVE

Jean-Philippe Mateta's £30m move to AC Milan is OFF. Discover why a failed medical has put his France World Cup dreams in jeopardy.

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Mateta’s "dream move" suddenly turned toxic.

Jean Philippe-Mateta’s got a real headache right now. The Crystal Palace striker just watched his £30 million dream move to AC Milan blow up at the last minute, all because a knee problem showed up during his medical.

The thing is, Mateta’s been carrying this injury for a while. Now he’s stuck: should he go under the knife and try to recover in time for the World Cup? He wants to make the France squad this summer, but nothing’s guaranteed. Even if he has surgery, there’s no telling if he’ll be fit enough—or have enough time on the pitch—to convince Didier Deschamps he deserves a spot.

The injury’s been dragging him down anyway. It’s messing with his form and his game time, and he’s worried he won’t get a real shot at proving himself for France if he isn’t at his best.

It’s tough because he’s coming off a fantastic year at Palace. FA Cup winner, big goals, helped the club reach Europe—it’s been a dream run. But now he might have to go back to Selhurst Park, even though he’s made it clear he’s had enough and wants out.

Honestly, it feels like only a matter of time before he leaves. His contract runs out next summer, and Palace can’t risk losing him for nothing. They’ve already watched Marc Guehi go to Man City for a bargain, just because his deal was running down.

Now Mateta has to sit down with Palace and the doctors to figure out what to do about his knee. Surgery would sideline him for months, probably killing his World Cup chances.

He’s gutted about Milan falling through, especially after Juventus cooled their interest and Nottingham Forest had an offer turned down. Over the weekend, he even unfollowed Palace on Instagram and posted a fed-up emoji. No one really knows if he’ll even make the squad for the Brighton game.

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