Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has said that his side are capable of pressurising Arsenal into mistakes when the two teams meet at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.

Both clubs require points at either end of the table but Mannone has claimed that the Gunners did not enjoy their trips to the North-East during his time at the club between 2006 and 2013.

The 28-year-old told the club's official website: "We need to make it difficult for them because we are fighting for points. When I was an Arsenal player I knew they didn't like to travel all the way up here.

"It is a horrible place and a horrible feeling when the Stadium of Light is very loud, so we can put that pressure on them and force them into making mistakes."

Mannone has made 54 appearances in the top flight since making the move from the Emirates Stadium three years ago.