'You can't question the effort'published at 18:29 BST 14 September
18:29 BST 14 September
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Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett says the Black Cats' effort against Arsenal can't be questioned.
After the 2-0 defeat, Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Regis Le Bris will be happy with that display. You're talking about the Premier League champions here. They know that they've been in a game.
"Brian Brobbey was unplayable. You look at Arsenal's two centre-backs, they know that they have been in a game. Maybe on another occasion they [Sunderland] get the rub of the green. It just didn't happen.
"You can't question the effort, you can't question the way we set up, the way we went about the game and you've got to credit Arsenal. They are a quality team."
Hit play above to hear Bennett and BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes reflecting on the game, or listen on BBC Sounds here
David: Fine margins, eh? So proud of the club on the night, and how we went toe-to-toe with a top quality Arsenal side, but, equally, frustrated that we didn't get something out of the game. Brobbey's hold-up play was immense but a failure to be clinical continues to cost us. A soft penalty maybe, but Arteta's childish post-match overreaction, following on from his popular yellow card, was in stark contrast to the quiet dignity of our manager. A quality strike proved to be the difference but I'd prefer NOT to talk about Bruno. Bring on AZ Alkmaar.
Richard: Overall, I thought we played well, matched Arsenal and deserved something from the game. Would have been a different story had the penalty gone in but it's our inability to put away chances that's the real problem. And the ref had a shocker!
Chris: How can it not be a penalty when the defender has his arms around the Sunderland player while not watching the ball and bundles him to the ground? I despair at what now goes on at corners.
Arnold: A learning curve for the lads who are maintaining their level. Should pay dividends in the long run.
Arsenal fans
Rachel: Surely that match was just a snapshot of what's to face Arsenal over the coming months? Be disciplined and hard to break down and you could get a point or snatch all three. We are going to need to find new ways to win matches through skill and unpredictability or it's going to be a long season.
Vince: Another game that underlined our keeper's importance. The penalty save aside, David Raya also kept out a certain Sunderland goal towards the end of the game, blocking both the initial effort and the follow-up. A worthy world champion indeed, even if he wasn't Spain's number one in the World Cup. I'm just glad he's ours.
Harry: Yet another victory, though without the flowing football seen in earlier games. Some contentious decisions from the referee, not least the Sunderland penalty. Several players appeared tired after the trip to Napoli. Some teams get recovery time - we didn't.
Eric: Magnificent performance against a fast, physical side who caused major problems. This showed how we have matured mentally, a couple of years ago we would have collapsed. We matched them and had Raya - is there a better goalkeeper in world football? Guimaraes showed his class and what he can offer, and it's great to have Timber back. Great teams win games like this.
Analysis: Dogged display but dire Arsenal record continuespublished at 11:36 BST 13 September
11:36 BST 13 September
Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist
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Although they lost, Sunderland should take positives from a performance where they went toe-to-toe with the English champions.
As he has so often since joining Sunderland last summer, Xhaka was at the centre of many of the best things the Black Cats did against the midfielder's former club.
His brilliant free-kick was headed narrowly wide by Ballard in their best first-half chance, while the final action of the opening period had Xhaka flicking the ball away with his heel as it looked to be heading to Havertz to finish from close range.
The Swiss leads all Sunderland players in the league this season for touches, chances created, passes played into the box, fouls won and successful passes.
It was not enough, however, to improve his side's dire record against Arsenal - they have one victory in 30 Premier League meetings with the Gunners and are winless in 18.
Sunderland will instead look ahead to hosting AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Wednesday, their first European match for 53 years.
Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal: How the players ratedpublished at 23:31 BST 12 September
23:31 BST 12 September
Alex Brotherton BBC Sport journalist
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Sunderland starting XI:
Robin Roefs: Poor distribution - two goal-kicks went straight out of play. Hardly troubled in the first half but made a fine save to tip over Kai Havertz's acrobatic effort. 6
Thomas Meunier: Offered a threat on second balls from set pieces but couldn't covert a couple of half chances. Tracked back to help defensively. 6
Nordi Mukiele: Kept Christos Tzolis quiet and provided a good outlet on break, but didn't pick out the right passes. Weak shot when right in front of goal at 1-0 down. Forced David Raya into saves with two late chances but should have scored the second. 6
Kevin Danso: An unspectacular but assured home debut. 6
Dan Ballard: Defensively solid as ever and coped well with Arsenal's press. Should have scored from Xhaka free-kick, but won a penalty. 7
Reinildo Mandava: Largely contained Bukayo Saka, though was baited into fouling him and getting booked. Conceded late penalty and sent off. 4
Nilson Angulo: Lively on the wing and diligent in tracking back, but he should have run at Ben White and Ezri Konsa more. 6
Noah Sadiki: Showed willingness to get forward but also track back, but final ball lacked quality. 6
Granit Xhaka: Produced quality set-piece deliveries and busy as ever in midfield. Made a goal-saving clearance with the last kick of the first half. 7
Enzo Le Fee: Alert and always eager to drive attacks, but telegraphed his soft penalty. 6
Brian Brobbey: Made the lives of Konsa and White miserable all evening with his strength and hold-up play. Created space for others but didn't get any shots away, though that wasn't his brief tonight. 7
Sunderland substitutes:
Wilson Isidor (on 70, Angulo): 6
Malick Fofana (on 75, Meunier): 6
Subs not used: Dayann Methalie, Chemsdine Talbi, Chris Rigg, Luke O'Nien, Omar Alderete, Melker Ellborg, Trai Hulme.
Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal: What Le Bris saidpublished at 23:12 BST 12 September
23:12 BST 12 September
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Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris to BBC Match of the Day: "Frustrating result. Good game, especially in the second half. I think we went toe to toe with them and they are flying at the moment. We had the opportunity to score, I think it was deserved, [we] didn't score and thirty second after we conceded the goal. This is the level. I think they are relentless. When you don't seize your opportunities it's hard.
"The first half we were a bit reserved, respectful, knowing their threat and the way they play. The way they can damage your defence. So we were really well-organised, but we agreed at half-time it was important to show our quality with the ball. And that we did really well managing long balls at times and short balls when it was possible to play and we created chances.
"[David] Raya was one of the best players on the pitch today. It shows we are dangerous but not enough to score. We are really close. Winning is a process. They are at the top level right now. We were close this evening, it wasn't enough, but it was a good experience for us and our fans. We are getting better game after every game, it's hard to take but we need to go again.
"We have to believe and then it's a question of fine margins. Those fine margins are so hard to improve because it is the last percent and you need to work hard to get this one. We are in a good place. It's important to digest quickly because we have an impressive week ahead."
Did you know?
Only Chelsea (eight) have received more Premier League red cards since the start of last season than Sunderland (four), with Reinildo Mandava one of three players to be sent off more than once in that time (two).
Sunderland have lost just two of their last eight Premier League games (W3 D3), though at the Stadium of Light they've lost five of their previous nine league matches (W3 D1).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Hull City" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Everton match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Sutton's predictions: Sunderland v Arsenalpublished at 08:44 BST 12 September
08:44 BST 12 September
This was a cracking game last season, finishing 2-2, and it is arguably Arsenal's toughest test so far in this campaign.
I really like Sunderland and their European campaign has not started yet so those extra games won't affect them here.
I feel like being brave and giving them a draw because they are well capable of taking a point off Arsenal, but the Gunners just have the ability to shut up shop when they need to, and they can get physical again if they need to.
Thinking about it, I can't really go against an Arsenal victory, because of the players they were able to bring on in last weekend's comeback win over Chelsea.
They have got A-list replacements everywhere they look and, if they need a goal against Sunderland, I can see them bringing someone on to get them one.
Sunderland v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:36 BST 11 September
19:36 BST 11 September
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal will look to extend their perfect start to the new season when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (20:00 BST) in the Premier League.
The Gunners head to Wearside on the back of an impressive win over Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday. Arsenal have also won all three of their league games so far this campaign, making a strong start to the defence of the title they won last season.
Sunderland have bounced back well after an opening-weekend loss to Ipswich Town, taking four points from games against Fulham at home and Brentford away in their subsequent fixtures.
Can the Black Cats disarm the Gunners?
In the early weeks of last season, Sunderland were one of the few sides to give the Gunners problems. Dan Ballard's opening goal against Arsenal in November 2025 was the first time Mikel Arteta's side had conceded in eight games at the time; a stoppage-time strike from Brian Brobbey earned the Black Cats a 2-2 draw.
While they are capable of giving Arsenal a bloody nose, getting over the line and beating the Gunners has not been easy for Sunderland down the years.
Sunderland have only won one of their last 14 league games against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats actually only have one victory in 29 Premier League meetings against the Gunners, and are winless in 17.
How will they go about changing that record? With Arsenal likely to have the majority of the ball, Sunderland are likely to fall back on the direct style that has served them so well since returning to the Premier League. Under head coach Regis le Bris, they like to move the ball forward quickly.
Martin making his mark
Arsenal's start to the season has been supercharged by the form of their resurgent skipper, Martin Odegaard.
The midfielder netted one goal last season. This term, he has four in five games, including the winner against Napoli in midweek, as his sweet strike from the edge of the box capped off an excellent 29-pass move.
There has been a clear tactical shift in Odegaard's playing style this season, meaning he is getting much more of the ball in increasingly dangerous areas.
Overall, his shots, expected goals and touches in the opposition box are up this season per 90 compared with last term.
Odegaard's movements off the ball also illustrate more of a willingness to get into goalscoring positions.
In the Premier League this season, he has already made seven cross-option runs – a run to get into the penalty area to make yourself available for a cross while your team-mate has the ball in a wide area – having made just 10 across the whole of the previous term.
At the other end of the pitch, even with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba out injured, the Gunners remain solid at the back. Their win over Napoli made it three clean sheets from four and, across their past three games, they have conceded a total of 0.93 xG, which is the lowest in the division.
'I've been very, very impressed' - Reidpublished at 16:48 BST 11 September
16:48 BST 11 September
Former Sunderland manager Peter Reid has been speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle before this weekend's game against Arsenal.
Reid said: "Arsenal are a great football club, I think they'll win the league again. A tough game there for Sunderland.
"I was at the play-off game when they dug through against Sheffield United and against Coventry in the semi. The recruitment that summer was magnificent and, I've got to say, last season was brilliant. Hopefully they can keep it going but it's a tough one for them on a Saturday night."
On also balancing the Europa League this season, he added: "When you're in Europe and the fixtures come very fast, you don't get time to recuperate these days. It's a test of time but I'm sure Sunderland will be okay. I've been very, very impressed."
Listen to the interview in full by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here
Le Bris on Mundle's new injury, 'underdog mentality' and Arsenalpublished at 19:11 BST 10 September
19:11 BST 10 September
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
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Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Le Bris confirmed winger Romain Mundle has sustained a new knee injury: "It is a shame because he worked so hard in the summer and had a good pre-season. He is talented, a really good winger, so we support and back him for the next period. We hope he will be ready at the end of the year."
He added that Habib Diarra is "in the middle" of his recovery period from a hamstring injury.
On winger Nilson Angulo's start to the season: "He arrived in the winter last year and it is not an easy period. He got an injury really quickly. He is a nice person, a really good player, with a different culture - so it takes time to adapt. The World Cup helped his confidence and now he is getting better game by game. I think it is just the beginning for him."
When asked about a new mural detailing the Black Cats' rise from League One to Europe and his pride at leading them now, Le Bris said: "Really proud to be manager of this club in this period. The emotions, the journey, the connection with the fans, the region, the momentum of the club - it is a privilege to be in this position. I enjoy every second. We are working together really hard behind the scenes and it's really good to be in this situation."
On Brian Brobbey, who scored a late equaliser in this fixture last season: "He's a great striker. He needed time to settle in and struggled a bit physically at the beginning because he had an incomplete pre-season. Now he is in a really good place. He's so physical and he's getting better game by game. We will see the best of him sooner or later."
On the challenge of facing champions Arsenal: "This season, they are flying. They are one of the best teams in Europe. Five wins in a row so the run is really impressive. We learned that to be competitive in this kind of game you have to be yourself. The more you have this underdog mentality, togetherness, connection with the fans, intensity until the end - it is very important. The flexibility and clarity of the game model [is important] because they are so adaptive. We have to adapt in real time."
Asked whether his team will have to be perfect to get a result against the Gunners, Le Bris said: "It is not possible to be perfect but we have to stay true to our ideas. When you face a really strong opponent you can be a bit shy. The best learning from last season was that if we are ourselves - no regret. They will find solutions but we are getting better with flexibility and how we adapt when something unexpected happens. It will be challenging but I am very excited to experience this situation again."
On the importance of the home fans be under the lights on Saturday night: "It's a powerful driver. It starts from us - the way we play and how we impose our ideas. If we are proactive they are behind us. They back us and they feed the energy for the press, second balls, counter-attacks and so on. The connection with the fans helps us a lot."
Premier League releases festive football schedulepublished at 16:14 BST 10 September
16:14 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.
Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.
The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.
Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.
A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.
The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.
The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.
Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.
The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.
'Chemsdine will stay with us 100%' - Ghisolfipublished at 08:24 BST 10 September
08:24 BST 10 September
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It has been a tumultuous period for Sunderland midfielder Chemsdine Talbi - a strong 2026 World Cup campaign with Morocco, linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and excluded from Regis le Bris' Europa League squad.
However, Black Cats sporting director Florent Ghisolfi told the Sunderland Echo, external: "Chemsdine will stay with us - 100%."
Ghisolfi added that Talbi's exclusion from the Europa League squad was the result of him holding "conversations with very good clubs" during the transfer window.
"Because we were in conversations, if we put him on the list and after that he was left, we could lose this slot for eight games," he explained.
Former Sunderland forward Marco Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle that Talbi "looked cool and calm" in the 1-0 victory over Hull City on Tuesday.
Talbi marked his first start of the season with a goal, as Le Bris' side progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
"He is a talented player and he had a big influence last season. A great result and a nice way to win the game," added Gabbiadini.
'We've got a lot of players fighting for their place' - Riggpublished at 12:08 BST 9 September
12:08 BST 9 September
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Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg says there is a "fighting spirit" among the squad to prove people wrong this season.
Rigg was one of 11 changes made from the team that drew with Brentford on the weekend to the side that beat Hull City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, and believes there are a lot of players trying to earn their place.
"It's been mentioned that we're one of the favourites to go down again and of course we hear that in the changing room and it fuels us for the coming weeks," Rigg said.
"It's a good thing for us because we're always known as the underdogs, even in the Championship we were the underdogs, we're just going to keep going with that fighting spirit.
"We want to take it game-by-game but we've also got to think that there's a lot of games coming up and our squad depth is good now - we've got a lot of players fighting for their place.
"Most of the lads decided to stay here because they know what we want to do by the end of the season. We want to do well in the league and we want to do well in Europe, and it's a big challenge for everyone. We're all really excited for it."
Listen to the full chat by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here
Graham: Good solid performance to progress with 11 changes from the weekend. All three new signings had a good game, with Jules Ahoka playing particularly well. Fantastic finish from Chemsdine Talbi to win the game. Confidence-building and match practice for all involved.
Ian: A well organised run out for Sunderland. They didn't look like world beaters tonight with a changed team. Talbi's goal was sublime and a worthy match-winner. The debutants looked like decent additions. Positive result.
Will: Considering it was an entirely rotated XI, very promising. Depth in the squad is at levels we probably have never had before. Ahoka one to watch, seems very tidy for a player who has played a handful of senior games.
Hull fans:
Chris: It would have been a bonus to win this, however staying in the Premier League must remain our priority this year. Pleased some of our new players got an outing, hopefully that will bode well for the next tricky game against Chelsea. Up the Tigers!
Richard: Team did not gel, especially the defence. Gelhardt should have made it 1-1 and it looked as though Hull should have had a penalty a few minutes into the game. However, Sunderland deserve to go through.
Rod: Strategic loss for Hull. The last thing they need is extended cup runs eating away at their efforts to stay up in the Premier League.
Sunderland 1-0 Hull City: What Le Bris saidpublished at 08:00 BST 9 September
08:00 BST 9 September
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Sunderland boss Regis le Bris, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after the Black Cats' third round Carabao Cup victory over Hull City: "Making 11 changes is not very easy for the working flow of the squad.
"First half was probably connected with the lack of references, but the energy was good, I think, especially at the start.
"Second half was a bit better. A bit more composure, a bit more fluidity in our game. We found a way to score, which is good."
On Chemsdine Talbi staying at the club and his performance: "I am pleased because he is a good player.
"I had this conversation before, now it is clear that he wants to stay with us. Happy to have him in the squad.
"He showed today he can even play in a different position in this 10 position. I think it was really good in transition, the ability to exploit big spaces and his finishing was great.
"I think he has this quality. Especially when we can regain the ball a bit deeper. The ability to repeat sprints at high intensity is fantastic.
"He is good, he can drive the ball and he can give and go. His finishing ability is superb."
On Jocelin Ta Bi: "Jocelin is getting better.
"He needs game time and experience, so this one was really important. Probably in the first half, he was a bit shy.
"Progressively, he showed he has good qualities, especially on the ball. I think it is just the beginning for him because he needs confidence, and he has the ability to be a really strong winger."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live EFL Cup commentary on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Crystal Palace match".
