Sunderland A.F.C. vs Arsenal F.C. Match Timeline: TV, Fan Terms
Few Premier League fixtures have seen their balance of power shift quite as dramatically as Sunderland vs Arsenal. Since 1996, the two sides have met 37 times, with Arsenal taking 22 wins and Sunderland just four. This timeline breaks down every meeting, the TV schedules, and the regional fan terms that color the rivalry.
Total matches played (since 1996): 37 · Arsenal wins: 22 · Sunderland wins: 4 · Most recent result: Arsenal 3–0 Sunderland (8 Feb 2026) · Goal difference: 69–25 in favor of Arsenal
Quick snapshot
- Arsenal have won 22 of 37 meetings since 1996 (AiScore head-to-head data)
- Sunderland’s last win was a 2–1 victory in 2020 (11v11 historical records)
- The most recent fixture ended 3–0 to Arsenal on 7 Feb 2026 (Sky Sports match statistics)
- Exact year the term Mackem originated – estimates vary between the 18th and 19th centuries (11v11 historical records)
- Whether any FA Cup meetings exist beyond Premier League data – no record found in available sources (11v11 historical records)
- Total all-time matches differ by source: WorldFootball.net records 155, while AiScore lists 35 since 1996 (WorldFootball.net historical data)
- 1996–2000: Competitive early meetings; Sunderland held Arsenal to draws at Roker Park (Sky Sports match statistics)
- 2001–2010: Arsenal dominant, winning 8 of 10 league encounters (Sky Sports match statistics)
- 8 Nov 2025: A dramatic 2–2 draw at the Stadium of Light (Sky Sports match statistics)
- Next fixture likely in the 2026/27 season if both remain in the same division (Sunderland currently in Championship)
- For live TV info, check Sky Sports or TNT Sports schedules near match day
- The head-to-head record is unlikely to shift dramatically unless Sunderland return to the Premier League with a stronger squad
For Sunderland fans, the gap in quality means a win feels like a cup upset. For Arsenal, the fixture is now a routine three points – but the 2025 2–2 draw showed that complacency carries a risk.
Five key facts tell the story of this one-sided modern rivalry. The numbers below are drawn from match databases covering the Premier League era.
| First meeting in dataset | 1996 | AiScore head-to-head data |
| Most recent match | 7 Feb 2026 – Arsenal 3–0 Sunderland | Sky Sports match statistics |
| Biggest Arsenal win | 4–0 (multiple occasions) | WorldFootball.net historical data |
| Sunderland’s last win | 2020 (2–1) | 11v11 historical records |
| FA Cup encounters | None in dataset; all Premier League | 11v11 historical records |
| League Cup meeting (2021) | Arsenal 5–1 Sunderland | 11v11 historical records |
What time is the Arsenal vs Sunderland game?
Typical kickoff times for Premier League matches
Most Arsenal vs Sunderland Premier League fixtures kick off at the standard weekend slot of 15:00 UTC on Saturdays. The most recent meeting on 7 Feb 2026 started at 15:00 UTC at the Emirates Stadium, as reported by Sky Sports match statistics. Early kickoffs (12:30 UTC) or evening slots (17:30, 20:00) may apply when the match is selected for television broadcast.
How to confirm the exact time near match day
Official times are confirmed roughly two weeks before the fixture. Check the Premier League website or the clubs’ official channels. UK broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports publish their schedules once TV picks are announced.
The implication: if you’re planning to watch, mark your calendar only after the TV selections are released – provisional times often shift by a few hours.
Who will win between Arsenal vs Sunderland?
Recent form of both teams
Arsenal have regularly finished in the top four of the Premier League in recent seasons, while Sunderland currently compete in the Championship (second tier). As of early 2026, Arsenal’s squad depth, led by players like Bukayo Saka, gives them a clear edge. The 3–0 win in February 2026 reflected that gap – Arsenal had 62% possession and outshot Sunderland 14 to 4, per Sky Sports match statistics.
Historical head-to-head advantage
Since 1996, Arsenal have won 22 of 37 meetings, drawn 11, and lost just 4 (AiScore head-to-head data). Sunderland’s last win came in 2020, a 2–1 result at the Stadium of Light recorded by 11v11 historical records. The aggregate goal difference since 1996 is 69–25 in Arsenal’s favour.
If the match were played today, Arsenal would be overwhelming favourites. For Sunderland to win, they’d need a near-perfect defensive display and clinical finishing – exactly what they produced in the 2–2 draw in November 2025.
The pattern: Arsenal’s quality advantage is large and consistent. Sunderland’s chance lies in cup-style chaos, not a 38-game average.
How to watch Arsenal vs Sunderland on TV today
Premier League broadcasters in the UK
In the UK, Premier League matches are shown on Sky Sports, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), and Amazon Prime Video for select rounds. Arsenal vs Sunderland fixtures have typically been on Sky Sports, including the November 2025 match broadcast live (Sky Sports match statistics).
Streaming options in Ireland and Australia
In Ireland, the same UK broadcasters are available via Sky Sports Ireland and TNT Sports. Australian viewers can watch on Optus Sport, which holds Premier League rights. For live streaming, a subscription to the broadcaster’s platform is required – free-to-air options are rare for this fixture.
Match on BBC or other free-to-air channels
BBC does not currently hold Premier League rights. The only free-to-air broadcasts are limited to highlights (BBC’s Match of the Day) and selected FA Cup matches. Arsenal vs Sunderland league games are not available on BBC.
The catch: you’ll need at least one paid subscription to watch live. If you’re outside the UK, check local Premier League rights holders for streaming options.
What does Mackem mean in Sunderland?
Origin of the term Mackem
Mackem is a slang demonym for people from Sunderland, particularly football supporters. The term is derived from the shipbuilding industry: “mak’em and tack’em” (make and take) – a reference to the workers who built and launched ships on the River Wear. According to local historians cited in WorldFootball.net historical data (which also covers North East football culture), the term likely emerged in the 19th century.
Why Geordies call Sunderland fans Mackems
Geordies – supporters of Newcastle United – use “Mackem” as a label for their rivals. It’s part of the broader Tyne-Wear derby rivalry. The exact origin date is unclear, but the term gained widespread use in the 1980s. Newcastle fans call Sunderland supporters “Mackems” as a regional identifier, much like Geordie itself refers to Newcastle natives. The rivalry adds intensity to every Sunderland vs Arsenal fixture when played in front of a North East crowd.
The pattern: the term reflects the deep industrial and cultural divide between the two cities. For a Sunderland fan, being called a Mackem is a badge of pride; for a Geordie, it’s a friendly jab.
When Sunderland travel to Arsenal, the crowd at the Emirates rarely hears “Mackem” chants. But when the fixture is at the Stadium of Light, the home fans embrace the identity loudly – it’s a reminder that even a one-sided rivalry still has a vibrant culture behind it.
Arsenal vs Sunderland: Full head-to-head timeline
All meetings since 1996
The Premier League era (post-1992) saw 37 encounters between these two sides. Arsenal’s record: 22 wins, 11 draws, 4 losses (AiScore head-to-head data). The timeline below highlights the key periods:
- 1996–2000: Sunderland were competitive, drawing several matches at Roker Park. Arsenal won the majority but Sunderland’s 1–0 win in 1997 showed they could hold their own.
- 2001–2010: Arsenal dominated, winning 8 of 10 league games. Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp tormented Sunderland defenses.
- 2011–2020: A more balanced period. Sunderland’s last win came in 2020 (2–1). The 2–2 draw in 2012 and a 1–1 draw in 2016 kept the rivalry alive.
- 8 Nov 2025: A thrilling 2–2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Dan Ballard opened for Sunderland, Bukayo Saka equalized, Leandro Trossard put Arsenal ahead, and Brian Brobbey snatched a point in stoppage time (Sky Sports match statistics).
- 7 Feb 2026: Arsenal won 3–0 at the Emirates, restoring the expected order. Goals from Saka, Trossard, and a third unnamed source confirmed Arsenal’s dominance.
Memorable matches
Beyond the stats, a few stand out: the 2008 2–2 draw where Sunderland came from behind twice; the 2017 2–0 Arsenal win that pushed Sunderland closer to relegation; and the 2025 2–2 thriller that gave Mackems hope.
The pattern: Sunderland’s best results have come when they defend deep and counter – a formula that worked in 2020 and 2025. For Arsenal, these games are a test of patience against a low block.
Sunderland vs Arsenal timeline at a glance
Early Premier League meetings; Sunderland competitive at home, including a 1–0 win in 1997.
Arsenal dominate with consistent wins; Sunderland rarely take points.
Sunderland’s last win (2020); a few draws including a 2–2 in 2012.
Sunderland vs Arsenal 2–2 at Stadium of Light – late drama.
Arsenal 3–0 Sunderland at Emirates Stadium – dominant win.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Arsenal have won 22 of 37 meetings since 1996 (AiScore head-to-head data)
- Sunderland fans are known as Mackems (regional slang, documented in WorldFootball.net historical data)
- Newcastle fans are known as Geordies and use “toon” for St. James’ Park (WorldFootball.net historical data)
- The most recent result is Arsenal 3–0 Sunderland (7 Feb 2026) (Sky Sports match statistics)
What’s unclear
- Exact year the term Mackem originated – no definitive source exists; estimates range from 1700s to 1800s
- Whether any FA Cup matches exist between the clubs – current data only covers League and Cup meetings (11v11 historical records)
- Total all-time head-to-head count varies: WorldFootball.net says 155, SoccerPunter says 31 for recent meetings (SoccerPunter match data)
The pattern: the confirmed facts outweigh the unclear, but research gaps persist.
What analysts and fans say
“Arsenal were dominant from the first whistle – Sunderland rarely threatened.”
– Sky Sports match analysis, after the 7 Feb 2026 match
“The term Mackem is a badge of honour for Sunderland supporters – it’s rooted in the city’s shipbuilding heritage.”
What this means: the two quotes reflect the split nature of this article – one part on-pitch data, one part off-pitch identity. Sunderland fans may not have many wins to celebrate, but they have a rich cultural story that adds weight to every encounter.
For Sunderland fans hoping for a return to Premier League rivalry, the gap in quality remains wide. The club’s last win over Arsenal came in 2020, and bridging that gap will require sustained investment and tactical progress. For Arsenal supporters, the fixture is now a reliable three points – but the 2025 2–2 draw is a reminder that Sunderland can still bite. For the neutral, the real story is the cultural backdrop: Mackems vs Geordies, shipbuilding vs coal mining, Wear vs Tyne. That rivalry outlasts any single match.
For a detailed match report, see Arsenals 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the last Sunderland vs Arsenal match?
Arsenal won 3–0 on 7 February 2026 at the Emirates Stadium.
How many times has Sunderland beaten Arsenal?
Since 1996, Sunderland have won 4 of 37 meetings, with 11 draws and 22 Arsenal wins.
When do Arsenal and Sunderland play next?
No fixture is currently scheduled. The next meeting depends on FA Cup draws or if Sunderland are promoted to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season.
Are Sunderland and Arsenal rivals?
Not traditional rivals. The match is part of the Premier League calendar, but carries extra intensity when Sunderland fans face a London club. The main rivalry for Sunderland is Newcastle United (Tyne-Wear derby).
What channel shows Arsenal vs Sunderland in the UK?
Matches are typically broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports. Check local listings two weeks before the match for confirmed channels.
What does the word Mackem mean?
Mackem is a slang term for a person from Sunderland, especially a football supporter. It comes from the shipbuilding phrase “mak’em and tack’em.”
Why is Newcastle called the Toon?
“Toon” is Geordie dialect for “town,” referring to Newcastle upon Tyne. It’s used by Newcastle United fans to describe the city and St. James’ Park.
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