Match preview — Emirates set for a one-sided affair?
Arsenal welcome Sunderland to the Emirates on 07/02/2026 in what on paper looks like another statement fixture for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners sit top of the table with 53 points from 24 matches, boasting an impressive 16 wins and a potent 46 goals scored; their recent run reads like a form guide manifesto — seven wins, two draws and a single loss in the latest ten. The narrow 1-0 Carabao Cup semi victory over Chelsea is the freshest example of a team that can grind out results when it matters, with Gabriel Magalhães singled out as the standout performer in that tie.
Sunderland arrive in north London as outsiders but with moments of genuine threat. Occupying eighth place with 36 points, they’ve shown resilience and a knack for tight contests — nine wins and nine draws reveal a side that is hard to beat on its day. Their 3-0 triumph over Burnley in the most recent league outing, powered by Chemsdine Talbi’s impressive showing, underlines that Sunderland can spring surprises. Yet their away record tempers that optimism: just six away goals all season and a markedly lower attacking average than Arsenal.
Tactical edge and statistical storylines
Arsenal’s underlying numbers point to dominance. They average nearly 15 shots per match with 121 shots on target overall, and a league-leading clean sheet count at home (12), making them a balanced force both offensively and defensively at the Emirates. Sunderland’s strengths lie in organisation and dead-ball moments, but they travel with only six away goals this campaign and a lower shots average, suggesting they may struggle to breach a well-drilled Arsenal backline.
Head-to-head context is intriguing: the pair drew 2-2 earlier in the season, showing Sunderland aren’t completely overawed. Still, that encounter looks more like an exception than a rule given the gap in season-long performance. Arsenal’s home goals conceded (8) versus Sunderland’s goals scored away (6) is a stark contrast that points to a likely Arsenal-controlled match.
What to expect and betting outlook
Expect Arsenal to dictate tempo, control possession and force Sunderland to chase. The probability baked into market odds heavily favours a home win, and the data supports that view — Arsenal’s consistency, superior shot volume and home clean-sheet record make them the smart pick. Sunderland will test on transition and set pieces, but their low away scoring tally is a major red flag for anyone seeking an upset.
For readers wanting to sharpen their approach to markets, consider pairing this match study with broader tactics on market selection — a useful primer is available in this guide to Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets — and for those who look at handicaps, this piece on How to spot opportunities on fair handicap lines can help identify value beyond straight winners.
Betting suggestion: 1X2 market — Arsenal to win. The home side’s form, superior attacking volume and strong defensive home record make the home win the clearest value play for this fixture.
