Black Cats aim to Gun down Arsenal

Sunderland v Arsenal
The FA Women's Premier League
2pm, Sunday 22 November 2009
The Hetton Centre, Sunderland LFC

As double-headers go, two games in a row against the reigning FA Women's Premier League champions and FA Cup holders is a tough task.

But after losing 5-1 away at Arsenal Ladies last week, Sunderland Women's manager Mick Mulhern believes his side have a chance of exacting instant revenge in the return fixture at the Hetton Centre on Sunday.

"The game at Arsenal last week was a disappointment, but we were also unlucky with a couple of decisions from the officials which led to goals," said Mulhern.

"It could have been closer and we gave them a few problems early on, including taking the lead.

"I set the target of finishing in the top six at the start of the season, and we need to be picking up points regularly."

Sunderland are currently on course to reach that target, sitting second in the table having played 12 games, six more than this weekend's opponents.

Despite whispers that their dominance of women's football in England might be challenged this year, Arsenal are still absolutely flying at the moment.

They boast a 100 per cent record so far this campaign and have scored a whopping 29 goals in six league games.

After losing a number of players over the last few years to other leagues, striker Kim Little has been the shining light for the Gunners, scoring 23 goals in all competitions already this season.

And Arsenal manager Tony Gervaise says his side's form is the outcome of significant investment in their youth system.

"That's the progression here," he explained. "What's the point in setting up an academy if you then don't give the kids the target of first-team football? It's a young side and we're happy with the way things are progressing.

"Sunderland will be a good test because they are not a bad team and we certainly won't underestimate them."