Arteta critiques Sunderland’s tactics

Sunderland’s strong start

Sunderland’s newfound form in the Premier League has captured attention. After rising from the Championship, they have claimed an impressive fourth place, gathering 19 points from 11 games. This success is marked by victories over big teams, including a memorable win against Chelsea and a hard-fought draw with Arsenal.

Arteta’s frustration

Post-game, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta seemed visibly disappointed. While he acknowledged his players’ efforts, he took issue with Sunderland’s defensive approach, labeling it as “disruptive”. Arteta admitted the team let a goal slip by, which he deemed subpar, though he praised their energetic comeback.

Waddle’s response

Ex-Sunderland player Chris Waddle weighed in on Arteta’s remarks, suggesting that managers should strive to find solutions instead of faulting rival strategies. Waddle highlighted the essence of football—overcoming opposition tactics to secure victory.

Le Bris’ tactical adjustment

In response to Arteta, Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, revealed a smart strategic move designed to curb Arsenal’s advantage. By repositioning advertising boards nearer to the touchline, Sunderland effectively shrank the area for Arsenal’s long throws. Le Bris emphasized their attention to detail, showcasing the significance of set-pieces in their gameplay plan.

Potential transfer for Fermin Lopez

Rumors are swirling about Sunderland’s purported €75 million offer for Barcelona’s midfielder Fermin Lopez. Viewing him as a future asset, Sunderland faces skepticism due to Lopez’s €469 million release clause, casting doubt on an imminent transfer.

Lopez’s commitment to Barcelona

Lopez demonstrated his devotion to Barcelona, having participated in 11 matches this season, scoring six goals and assisting four. His performance underscores a low probability of transferring to Sunderland.

Financial considerations

Having invested around €145 million in 11 new recruits last summer, Sunderland is known for strategic spending. Their three top signings cost approximately €65 million total, igniting questions about the realism of spending excessively on a single player like Lopez.