Sunderland boss Le Bris says Arsenal more clinical than Man City

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has pointed out key differences between Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, insisting that the Gunners are currently more effective in front of goal.

Le Bris made the remarks following Sunderland’s impressive 0–0 draw with Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on Thursday night, a result that further dented City’s Premier League title push and strengthened Arsenal’s grip at the top of the table.

The draw came just days after Arsenal delivered a commanding 4–1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, a result that piled fresh pressure on Guardiola’s side to keep pace with Arteta’s men in the title race. However, City were unable to respond with a win against a resolute Sunderland side.

Sunderland’s disciplined defensive display, combined with Manchester City’s lack of cutting edge in the second half, ensured the Black Cats preserved their unbeaten home record this season, which now stands at 10 matches. The result also leaves City four points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

City will be hoping to bounce back quickly when they host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Chelsea are currently in transition after parting ways with head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, a development that adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture.

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Meanwhile, Arsenal have the opportunity to further extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League when they face Bournemouth on Saturday. A victory for the Gunners would see them move seven points clear at the top of the table.

Reflecting on competing against both title contenders this season, Le Bris acknowledged the quality of the two sides but stressed the importance of consistency in the title race.

“They are really good,” the Sunderland manager said. “It will come down to being consistent, as it always does. They are a bit different, but I think they are competitive for the title.”

Asked specifically about the differences between Guardiola’s City and Arteta’s Arsenal, Le Bris suggested Arsenal have a sharper edge in attack.

“I think probably in a few words, I would say Arsenal are a bit more clinical, a bit more direct with their ability to score, even if it’s not pass, pass, pass,” he explained.

“Here, you can really sense Pep Guardiola’s identity. Even though Mikel Arteta is also Spanish, I think Guardiola is really good at how he sets up the game.”

Despite dropping points, Guardiola was full of praise for Sunderland after the match, describing the Black Cats—who currently sit seventh in the Premier League—as a “tough team” following their resilient performance.

The result underlined Sunderland’s growing reputation as a difficult side to break down, while also highlighting the fine margins shaping the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City.