Two players Arsenal need to watch out for against Sunderland

Sunderland: 2 players to watch out for when Arsenal visit Stadium Of Light this Saturday by SE

Arsenal take on Sunderland at the Stadium Of Light this Saturday, as Wenger’s wizards seek to get back to winning ways after picking up just one point from their last two league games. For the Gunners to finish in the top four this season, having made an unimpressive start to their campaign so far, they will have to start winning those winnable games and Sunderland are one of those opponents Arsenal cannot afford to slip up against.

The home side, coming from 0-8 pummeling at the hands of Southampton last Saturday, would want to bounce back and remind other sides in the Premier League that they are no pushovers. And, looking at the squad Gus Poyet has at his disposal, which are the 2 players who could cause problems for the North Londoners?

Adam Johnson
Sunderland-born Johnson hasn’t had the best of starts to this season, scoring just one goal and failing to impact the Black Cats like he did last season, with assists and set-piece deliveries. However, Johnson can be counted on to produce a telling display when it matters the most. Coming up against Arsenal, it would be a no brainer to see the visitors have large spells of possession and nullify whatever little threat the home side may pose; but Johnson, playing as the Right-Winger, could initiate counterattacks with his deceptive pace and has the ability to deliver that final ball for the likes of Steven Fletcher and Conor Wickham — who could start upfront for the Black Cats against Arsenal, to finish off a goal scoring chance.

Connor Wickham
21-year old Wickham was pivotal to Sunderland winning the relegation battle last season, and retaining their Premiership status for the 7th consecutive season. Wickham has been one of the sparks in this Sunderland side that had done reasonably well this season, until losing 0-8 at St. Mary’s last Saturday. Wickham has a lethal right foot, to go with his towering presence and ability to win headed duels in the air. Arsenal, not the best of sides when it comes to defending set-pieces, need to watch out for Wickham, who can be a menace in front of Szczesny’s goal on any given day.

Final Thought
Arsenal are still finding their feet this season, and need to get a couple of wins back-to-back, to put themselves in the mix once again. Against Sunderland, the Gunners need to make their passing and attacks count, and get this game done and dusted by Half-Time; failing which, the aforementioned duo of Johnson and Wickham will start growing in stature and pose serious problems for the Arsenal backline that can be rattled when their opponents start running at them.