Regis Le Bris makes huge Arsenal claim ahead of Sunderland Premier League clash

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris (Picture: Hayters TV)

Regis Le Bris believes Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League and the whole of Europe ahead of their visit to Sunderland on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta ’s side have picked up where they left off last season, winning five straight matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli in midweek.

The Gunners currently sit second in the table, but face a difficult trip to the Stadium of Light at the weekend as they look to keep their perfect record in tact.

The Black Cats earned a hard-fought point when the two sides met in the North East last season , but were comfortably beaten when they travelled to the Emirates for the return fixture in February.

And Le Bris is under no illusions as to the task awaiting his side at the weekend, insisting that Arsenal are without doubt Europe’s best side at this moment in time.

‘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.

‘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.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to the season (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘The more with the underdog mentality, with this togetherness, this connection with the squad, the connection with our fans as well, is really important.

‘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.

‘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.

Brian Brobbey scored a late equaliser when the two sides met at the Stadium of Light last season (Picture: Reuters)

‘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.’

Asked if Arsenal look an even more dangerous side this season, Le Bris added: ‘It’s still early in the season but they look so strong everywhere. On the bench, every phase, sub-phases.

‘They are just the best team in Europe, I think, at the minute. They have good momentum as well. It’s a good challenge and we need these challenges to get better.

‘I think we earned last year the possibility to go again and to embrace it and to enjoy it.’

Sunderland will be without Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra on Saturday 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.’

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