Mikel Merino praised his Arsenal teammates after excelling in the number nine position. With Viktor Gyokeres absent for their Champions League game against Slavia Prague, and Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus
sidelined with knee injuries, Merino stepped up. He scored twice in a 3-0 victory. Arsenal will face Sunderland next, and Merino is expected to lead the attack again. The Spaniard appreciates the support from his fellow Gunners.
Merino expressed gratitude to his teammates, saying, "Credit to my team-mates. " He acknowledged that football is a team sport and he's just filling in as a striker despite not being a natural number nine. "I'm really happy to be helping the team with goals," he added, emphasising his contributions through hard work and positioning. His understanding of tactics has improved under Mikel Arteta's guidance.
Sunderland recently drew 1-1 with Everton, moving them into the Premier League's top four. They trail Arsenal by seven points but could climb to second if Manchester City and Liverpool falter. Regis Le Bris criticised Sunderland's slow start against Everton but remains optimistic about their potential with fan support. "We didn't start well," Le Bris admitted, but he believes they can adapt to different scenarios this season.
Granit Xhaka is one to watch for Sunderland. He made 225 Premier League appearances for Arsenal from 2016 to 2023, with 113 under Arteta. Xhaka aims to score in consecutive league games for the first time since March-April 2023 after netting against Everton. For Arsenal, Declan Rice's set-piece deliveries are crucial, especially if Gyokeres remains unavailable. Rice has contributed significantly in recent matches.
Arsenal have won their last five Premier League games, aiming for more consecutive victories since April-August 2024 when they achieved eight wins in a row. Their recent wins have all been clean sheets; they last achieved five straight clean-sheet victories in September/October 1987 under George Graham. This season, they've scored eight league goals from corners—the most by any team in their first ten games.
Match Prediction: Arsenal Win
Arsenal have scored 51 goals from corners since the 2022-23 season—14 more than any other team (Spurs have 37). However, all three of Arsenal's Premier League losses to Sunderland were away games, each ending 1-0 (January 1997, August 2000, November 2009). Sunderland has earned 18 points this season—the most by a newly promoted side after ten games since Hull City in 2008-09 (20 points).
Sunderland remain unbeaten at home this season (P5 W3 D2), last enjoying such a run between August and December 2010 under Steve Bruce (nine games). According to Opta's win probability model: Sunderland has a 13.8% chance of winning, while a draw stands at 17%, and Arsenal has a dominant chance at 69.2%. The Gunners' current form suggests they are favourites for the upcoming clash at the Stadium of Light.
4/4 pic.twitter.com/arqmMihB4C Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 5, 2025
