Sunderland analysis: Dogged display but dire Arsenal record continues

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.