OPPOSITION VIEW: ARSENAL

Ahead of this evening's game against the league leaders, we spoke to Pedro from Le Grove to discuss the Gunners' title hopes, plus Granit Xhaka's reputation at Arsenal...

So, top of the league after 10 games! Did you expect this start? What have you made of it?

Incredible. Beyond our wildest dreams considering the start, but not totally left of field considering the incredible consistency this Arsenal side has shown over the past three seasons. We had a nightmare start and it really did feel like our title credentials were going to be decided in the opening 10 games… and they have. We’re in the mixer, looking strong, and a lot of the problems of yesteryear have been solved.

A lot of people have actually criticised Arteta’s way of playing. Even though it’s clearly effective, critics have called it boring and “anti-football.” What would you say to those people?

The most boring thing about being an Arsenal fan over the past 20 years has been not winning a major trophy. Being accused of weakness. Being tactically naive. Not being ahead of the curve with tactics. Having no clue about the dark arts. Having small players. Being rubbish at defending set pieces. Being rubbish at attacking set pieces. Conceding too many goals.

That’s boring. Being top of the league is exciting. Playing effective football, setting trends, breaking defensive records, being very good in Europe. I honestly love it. Anyone calling it boring is just trying to soil the earth of a season that’s looking very good for Arsenal.

Having kept eight clean sheets in a row, incredibly, just how good has the defence been this season?

It’s sensational. Arsenal defend as a team. They constrict space, win duels, block like their lives depend on it, and we have one of the best keepers in the world if that fails. Arsenal care about clean sheets more than goals, which has been a bit of a problem, but honestly… after watching the banter years unfold under Wenger, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Who’s been your best player?

Jurrien Timber for me. He’s our right back. It might be an odd suggestion, but you’ll see on the evening the weekend he’s our best pound-for-pound player. Aggressive, athletic, incredibly tactical in the way he’s deployed, and extremely effective in defence and in attack. He’s the complete player. So consistent as well, a real joy to watch.

Viktor Gyökeres is your top scorer. What kind of striker is he?

Sorry to say it on a Sunderland blog, but he’s quite close to Alan Shearer! Deeply unfancy by Premier League standards. Rugged, aggressive, relentless, and a little bit average on the ball. His superpower is finishing, but Arsenal haven’t really managed to work him out yet. He’s not very fast, not overly powerful, he’s just a bit of a menace. His best game was against Burnley… then he got injured.

What have you made of Sunderland’s start to the season?

Sensational. I always keep an eye on Sunderland because my granddad was born there and I have a friend who works there. So, to watch the climb over the past couple of seasons and the elevation of the standards in the stadium, the types of sponsors you’ve been adding, the focus on the fan experience, and the crazy ambition in the transfer market… well, it just feels like where you are right now is not an accident. I love it when a club bets on itself, and Sunderland have done that. But make no mistake, I want to see you lose today.

Other than the obvious Granit Xhaka, who has stood out for you in particular?

As an Arsenal fan, I have a fondness for Dan Ballard. He was great for you last season and I wanted to see how the ex-Academy product of Arsenal was going to do in the Premier League and so far, so good. He looks like he was built for the league, he’s already scored a goal, and if he keeps this up all season, you might survive.

I’m also enjoying Wilson Isidor… I described him as 'a Thierry Lite scoring Thierry Henry full-package goals'. You need goals if you’re going to survive the Premier League and he looks like he’s going to get you at least 12 this season. He’s a fun player, just hope he doesn’t catch us in transition.

Speaking of Xhaka, what is the general opinion on the midfielder from Gunners fans? Are you looking forward to seeing him on Saturday?

Love him. Did not love him for a very long time! He was bought by Wenger as a box-to-box midfielder, he was not good there, Wenger failed him, he fell out with the fans, lost the captain’s armband… and Arteta took him under his wing, built him up, and the story arc turned sharply, and Arsenal fans ended up loving him. He’s a warrior, extremely brave, he has the dark arts, and he is a proper leader. He will get a big round of applause.

Are you going to the game?

No - I’m an English Arsenal fan who used to be a season ticket holder (25 years), but I’m now based in America.

What’s your score prediction?

2-1 Arsenal. Clean sheet record over, but three points for Arsenal.

Finally, where do you reckon both sides will finish this season? Will Arsenal win the league, will Sunderland keep up their European football charge?

I think Sunderland finishing in the top half this season would be absolutely incredible. I really want to see a proper Premier League club stay in the league. The fans deserve it. Sunderland deserves it. I wish you all the best!