By Isaac Mission 

Arsenal will need to maintain their concentration from start to finish when they travel to face Sunderland in the Premier League, with the newly promoted side capable of causing problems at home.

The Gunners were given a reminder of Sunderland's threat last season when the two teams played out a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal appeared on course for victory before a late equaliser from Brian Brobbey, who capitalised on a set-piece situation deep into stoppage time.

That result demonstrated why Mikel Arteta's players cannot afford to switch off, particularly against a Sunderland team that has developed a reputation for being difficult to beat on home soil.

Sunderland collected important results against several established Premier League sides last season, including draws with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Manchester City. They also secured a victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Their organisation and physical approach have made them a difficult opponent, while the arrival of experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture.

Xhaka will face his former club again after leaving Arsenal, and although the pre-match reunion with his old teammates is likely to be cordial, the competitive nature of the fixture means there will be little room for sentiment once the game begins.

Sunderland's direct approach

There remains some uncertainty over exactly how manager Régis Le Bris will set up his team, given the limited Premier League sample available this season.

However, Sunderland have shown a willingness to play forward quickly. Their tendency to favour progressive passing could put Arsenal's defence under pressure, particularly if they can find Brobbey in advanced positions.

The home side have also shown a preference for attacking down the left, with Nelson Angulo and deadline-day arrival Malick Fofana among the players who could feature in that area.

Defensively, Sunderland have displayed a respectable structure, meaning Arsenal may not enjoy the same number of clear opportunities they created during their Champions League victory over Napoli.

Odegaard could hold the key

For Arsenal, Martin Odegaard could once again be central to their attacking plans.

The midfielder's ability to receive possession between the lines and connect Arsenal's midfield with their forwards could prove particularly important if Sunderland sit in an organised shape.

Arsenal have demonstrated that they can threaten from both sides of the pitch, with their recent attacking patterns showing greater variety. Christos Tzolis has also added another dimension to their attacking options.

The battle between Sunderland's left-sided attacking threat and Arsenal's ability to exploit the opposite flank could become one of the defining tactical contests of the match.

Arteta expected to restore his strongest XI

After making changes for the midweek European fixture, Arteta could return to the lineup that helped Arsenal overcome Chelsea.

David Raya is expected to start behind a defensive four of Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori.

Myles Lewis-Skelly could retain his place in midfield, with Odegaard and Declan Rice completing the central unit. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Tzolis could lead the attacking line.

There could also be consideration for Bruno Guimaraes, particularly given the hostile atmosphere he may encounter, but Arteta could opt to maintain continuity and introduce changes later in the match.

Arsenal may not need to force the game from the opening whistle. Instead, managing Sunderland's direct threat and controlling the tempo could be crucial.

With the Stadium of Light expected to provide a difficult atmosphere, Arsenal's ability to remain disciplined and avoid defensive lapses could ultimately determine whether they leave the North East with another important Premier League victory.