Regis Le Bris believes Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League and in Europe as they prepare to visit Sunderland on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta's side have won five consecutive matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli in midweek. The Gunners sit second in the table but face a challenging trip to the Stadium of Light as they aim to extend their perfect start.
Le Bris praises Arsenal's form
Sunderland earned a hard-fought point in last season's home meeting, but were comfortably beaten at the Emirates in February. Le Bris is under no illusions about the task ahead.
“I think this season they are flying right now,” the Sunderland boss said in his pre-match press conference. “They are the best team in Europe, they were so impressive yesterday, for example.”
He added: “Five wins in a row, I think, now, so the run is really impressive. What we learned, to be competitive in this kind of game, you have to be yourself, I think. The more with the underdog mentality, with this togetherness, this connection with the squad, the connection with our fans as well, is really important.”
Adapting to Arsenal's strengths
Le Bris highlighted the need for adaptability against a side with multiple strengths. “The intensity till the end, once again, and the flexibility, clarity of the game model, because they are so adaptive, with different strengths, collective, individuals,” he said.
“You have to adapt in real time. I think the first game at home, we started really well, imposing our ideas. We struggled a bit at the beginning of the second half. They were good, really good, to beat our deep press. They were really impressive. And till the end, we found our way to equalise with Brian [Brobbey], which was really good.”
Reflecting on the away fixture, he said: “Away from home, it was a bit different. A different game. They were relentless. I think it’s the brand of these kind of teams.”
Sunderland injury news
Sunderland will be without Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra after both sustained injuries in the 1-0 win over Fulham at the end of August. “Romaine has a knee injury, which is a shame because he had a good pre-season,” Le Bris said. “We will support him and hope he is ready by the end of the year. Habib is in the middle of his recovery.”
