Arsenal head into their clash against Sunderland with a strong and balanced lineup, reflecting Mikel Arteta’s intent to dominate both possession and territory. The Gunners are set up in a 4-3-3 formation, a system that has consistently allowed them to express their attacking flair while maintaining defensive structure. Every position in this starting eleven highlights a clear tactical purpose — blending creativity, control, and composure across the pitch.
In goal, David Raya retains his place as Arsenal’s trusted shot-stopper. His ability to play out from the back and distribute under pressure has been a key factor in Arsenal’s buildup play this season. Raya’s calmness and precision with the ball often turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities, a quality that perfectly aligns with Arteta’s philosophy of progressive football.
In defense, the combination of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori presents a mix of pace, physicality, and tactical intelligence. Timber’s inclusion after returning from injury gives Arsenal more flexibility on the flanks, while Saliba and Gabriel remain the rock-solid duo at the heart of the defense. Calafiori, operating on the left, brings balance with his ability to overlap and support the midfield — a modern full-back who can transition seamlessly between attack and defense.
The midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Eberechi Eze adds a fascinating dynamic. Zubimendi, playing as the deep-lying pivot, offers composure and tactical discipline, dictating the tempo and shielding the back line. Rice’s box-to-box energy complements this perfectly, allowing him to drive forward or recover possession when needed. Eze, operating as the creative spark, provides flair and unpredictability — his dribbling and vision could be key to unlocking Sunderland’s compact defense.
Up front, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard flank Mikel Merino, who appears to be playing in a more advanced role in this setup. Saka, ever-reliable and explosive down the right, continues to be Arsenal’s primary threat, while Trossard’s versatility and movement between the lines make him difficult to mark. Merino’s presence as a false nine or advanced midfielder adds fluidity, allowing Arsenal to interchange positions and keep defenders guessing.
This lineup underlines Arteta’s desire to combine structure with creativity. It’s a team built to control the midfield, stretch defenses, and maintain relentless pressure from start to finish. As Arsenal face Sunderland, the expectation will be nothing less than a commanding performance that showcases both tactical sharpness and attacking intent.
