Sunderland will head into their midweek clash with Liverpool sitting in the top ten of the Premier League.
Sunderland were unable to build on their comprehensive home win against Premier League strugglers Burnley as they fell to a defeat at runaway leaders and title contenders Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats produced an outstanding performance in their home clash with the Gunners as a last-gasp Brian Brobbey equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light in November - but Mikel Arteta’s made no mistake in the return fixture as they claimed all three points thanks to a Martin Zubimendi strike and a brace from striker Viktor Gyokeres.
There were positives for Regis Le Bris and his players to take from their visit to the Emirates Stadium and there are still high hopes the Black Cats can continue what has been a remarkable return to the Premier League with a positive run of form between now and the end of the season. Despite the loss in North London, Sunderland will head into their midweek home clash with Liverpool sitting in the top eight of the table - but where are they predicted to finish in this season’s Premier League table?
Opta’s predicted final Premier League table
Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Viktor Gyokeres.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Viktor Gyokeres. | AFP via Getty Images
1st: Arsenal - 82.76 points
2nd: Manchester City - 71.34 points
3rd: Aston Villa - 70.11 points
4th: Chelsea - 63.92 points
5th: Liverpool - 63.11 points
6th: Manchester United - 62.96 points
7th: Brentford - 58.13 points
8th: Everton - 53.69 points
9th: Bournemouth - 52.08 points
10th: Newcastle United - 50.95 points
11th: Sunderland - 50.76 points
12th: Brighton and Hove Albion - 50.67 points
13th: Fulham - 50.17 points
14th: Crystal Palace - 46.99 points
15th: Tottenham Hotspur - 46.28 points
16th: Leeds United - 44.24 points
17th: Nottingham Forest - 41.58 points
18th: West Ham United - 36.37 points
19th: Burnley - 25.90 points
20th: Wolverhampton Wanderers - 19.24 points
What did Regis Le Bris say about Sunderland’s defeat at Arsenal?
The latest transfer rumours from Sunderland ahead of deadline dayplaceholder image
The latest transfer rumours from Sunderland ahead of deadline day | Getty Images
Speaking after the defeat at the Emirates Stadium, Le Bris said: “We showed character and personality with and without the ball. It was the game we expected. We knew Arsenal were really well rounded and have the ability to be impactful from set-pieces and especially after the counter press. We lost two balls and conceded two goals.
“It doesn't mean our game wasn't good. Especially at the beginning of the second half we had a couple of opportunities to be back in the game. We didn't seize those opportunities and against an opponent like Arsenal if you don't seize those few opportunities, the game is gone.
“Absolutely [it’s a different feeling to the West Ham and Brentford games]. The scoreline might be the same but it wasn't the same game. In this league you have to show resilience. We have another game at home in three days. It's another exciting challenge and we have to try to be at our best.”
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