Mikel Arteta's side will be buoyant following their midweek semi-final success against Chelsea, as they host a Sunderland side fresh off a 3-0 win against Burnley at the Stadium of Light.
The Premier League leaders recovered brilliantly from their recent home defeat against Manchester United to record three straight wins against Leeds United (0-4), Kairat Almaty (3-2) and Chelsea (1-0). The Gunners have been prolific in the attacking areas, scoring first in each of their last five matches in all competitions, and this could be a factor against a Sunderland side that has conceded first in their last two games away from home in the Premier League. Arsenal's record at the Emirates is magnificent, as the home side has dropped only four points at home this season, averaging 2.42 points per game with an xG of 1.83 goals per game. Arsenal also have the best defence in the league, conceding only 0.71 goals per game in the Premier League.
Sunderland are most certainly having a terrific season, as the Black Cats are in eighth place in the Premier League after 24 matches. Sunderland's reliance on their home form will likely cost them against Arsenal, as the visitors are the only unbeaten home side in the Premier League. Compare this to their away form: the away side have won two matches from 12 on the road, and have the second-worst away attack, with six goals scored; only Wolves have fewer (5). Sunderland's last away win in the Premier League was at the end of October, and since then the Black Cats have averaged 0.83 points away from home.
Arsenal's record at home is simply too strong for a determined Sunderland side. The Gunners rarely concede chances at home, with the Manchester United game being the only outlier in the Premier League, so we can see a 2-0 win for Mikel Arteta's side here.
