Keeping a clean sheet will once again be the key to success when Sunderland return to Wearside to take on Arsenal, according to Sam Allardyce.
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The Black Cats registered their second shutout in three games last time out at Carrow Road, with Fabio Borini, Jermain Defoe and Duncan Watmore doing the business at the opposite end to seal a comprehensive win.
On Sunday the Lads return to the Stadium of Light with Arsenal the visitors in a 2.05pm kick-off, and with points pivotal for both sides as the Black Cats look to move out of the bottom three and the Gunners aim to cement their spot in the top four.
And speaking to safc.com the Sunderland manager demanded focus and challenged his players to hold their nerve.
“In terms of points we have to try and get to 38 – I think that will be enough – and more if we possibly can but it’s a big ask,” said Allardyce. “Picking up more victories is our main aim now.
“It’s going to be a very nervous affair for us and the supporters but hopefully we can hold our nerve.”
He continued: “I would hope we can hold our nerve this weekend and hit the same form we did against Manchester City and Manchester United.
“The delight in beating Manchester United was fully deserved but the disappointment was we didn’t even get a point off Manchester City, but again if the lads have that clean-sheet mentality again and stop Arsenal from scoring I’m convinced we will have the chances to try and win it.
“Whether we do or not we will have to wait and see.”
