When the Great North Run takes over the streets of the north-east this weekend, Sunderland face a marathon task of their own: keeping pace with a relentless Arsenal side at the Stadium of Light. The Premier League champions have started the defence of their crown with a brutality that should worry every club in the land, and there is little evidence to suggest the Black Cats can halt their charge.
Having waited two decades to lift the title, Mikel Arteta's men have shown no signs of complacency. Five wins from five, a 10-1 aggregate scoreline, and a Community Shield triumph over Manchester City. This is a side possessed of the cold, calculating ruthlessness that defines champions. They dispatched Coventry, Aston Villa and Chelsea in the league, and then travelled to Naples in midweek to silence the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, racking up an expected-goals tally of 4.05 in a 1-0 victory that flattered the Italians.
Can Sunderland upset the odds against the champions?
The honest answer, for those who prefer pragmatism over romance, is almost certainly not. Sunderland exceeded all expectations last season, but their record against the elite is damning. They failed to win any of their ten meetings with the top five, and their historical record against Arsenal is a study in misery: one win in the last 29 Premier League encounters, and ten defeats in the last 13.
There is also the small matter of Thursday's Europa Conference League tie, Sunderland's first European fixture since the 1973-74 season. A squad of limited depth must now juggle continental ambitions with the brutal reality of the Premier League, and facing the champions in between is hardly the ideal preparation.
What is the key to Arsenal's early dominance?
Arteta has built a machine. They have conceded just one goal in the league, and their expected-goals against figure of 0.93 in three games is the stuff of title-winning defences. The midfield engine of Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes, the creative genius of Martin Odegaard, and the predatory instincts of Kai Havertz make them a formidable proposition. But it is the balance provided by Christos Tzolis that has caught the eye. The Greek winger has created more chances from open play than any player bar Morgan Rogers, and he registered his first league assist against Chelsea last weekend. He brings a discipline and width that allows Arsenal to suffocate opponents.
What is the best bet for Sunderland vs Arsenal?
For those inclined to wager, the logic is clear. Arsenal to win on the handicap at 11-8 is the sensible play. The Gunners have won on five of their last seven visits to the Stadium of Light, and they have scored 16 goals in the last five meetings between the sides. The Bet Builder at 6-1 with bet365 also offers value: Arsenal to win, Bruno Guimaraes to concede two or more fouls, and Granit Xhaka to be fouled twice. Xhaka, the former Gunner now marshalling the Sunderland midfield, is the most fouled player in the division this term, having been brought down eight times. Stopping him will be key to Arsenal's control of the game.
Who is missing for Sunderland and Arsenal?
Sunderland are without Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra, and Regis Le Bris is expected to recall his first-choice XI after fielding a second string in the EFL Cup win over Hull. Arsenal, meanwhile, have doubts over Cristhian Mosquera and Jurrien Timber, while William Saliba remains sidelined following back surgery. The depth at Arteta's disposal, however, means these absences are unlikely to be felt.
When is Sunderland vs Arsenal and how can I watch it?
The match takes place on Saturday, September 12, with an 8pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light. It will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Arsenal are 4-9 favourites, Sunderland are 13-2, and the draw is 3-1 with Paddy Power.
This is a test of character for Sunderland, a club that has always prided itself on its fighting spirit. But sentiment does not win football matches. Arsenal are a machine built for dominance, and they will not be derailed on Wearside. The only question is how many they will score.