As the Premier League season moves deeper into its most demanding phase, only two clubs can still boast an unblemished home record: Arsenal and Sunderland. While Arsenal’s dominance at the Emirates Stadium has been widely expected, Sunderland’s resilience at the Stadium of Light has emerged as one of the most compelling stories of the campaign.
The contrasting profiles of the two clubs make the statistic even more striking. One is a title contender with Champions League ambitions, the other a newly promoted side fighting to re-establish itself at the top level. Yet, when it comes to home form, both stand alone above the rest.
Arsenal Set the Standard at the Emirates
Arsenal’s home record underlines their status as genuine title contenders. The Gunners have collected nine wins and one draw at the Emirates Stadium, turning their home ground into one of the most formidable venues in the league.
Their consistency in North London has provided a strong platform for their push at the top of the table. Arsenal’s ability to control games, apply sustained pressure, and deliver results in front of their supporters has made the Emirates a decisive factor in their title challenge.
Every visiting team arrives knowing that points will be extremely hard to come by, and that reputation continues to grow with each passing home fixture.
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light Becomes a Fortress
While Arsenal’s dominance may not surprise many, Sunderland’s home record has raised eyebrows across the league. The Black Cats have remained unbeaten at the Stadium of Light, recording five wins and five draws so far this season.
Those results have delivered 20 valuable home points, a return that has played a crucial role in Sunderland’s impressive adaptation to Premier League football. For a club that spent years away from the top flight, the ability to consistently protect home turf has been central to their resurgence.
Remarkably, Sunderland’s current home points total already surpasses their entire home return from the 2016/17 Premier League season, when they managed just 14 points at the Stadium of Light across the whole campaign.
Defensive Discipline Fuels Sunderland’s Rise
Sunderland’s home strength has been built on defensive discipline rather than dominance of possession. Under head coach Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have embraced a pragmatic approach, often allowing opponents to control the ball while focusing on structure, compactness, and collective effort.
Across the season, Sunderland have averaged less than 42 percent possession, yet they remain extremely difficult to break down. Their defensive shape, work rate, and commitment in duels have made them one of the most frustrating opponents in the league, particularly on home soil.
That identity was once again on full display against Manchester City.
Sunderland Hold Manchester City to Goalless Draw
Sunderland’s status as a home fortress was reinforced in the opening Premier League fixture of 2026, as they held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light. Despite City’s dominance in possession and territory, they were unable to find a way through Sunderland’s well-organized defense.
The visitors were forced into an early reshuffle when Nathan Aké was forced off injured in the third minute, prompting Josko Gvardiol to enter the fray. The Croatian defender played an unusually advanced role and ended the match as City’s most active shooter, registering four attempts—all in the second half—though only one tested the goalkeeper.
Despite sustained pressure, City struggled to create clear chances, with Sunderland blocking passing lanes and defending their penalty area with discipline and intensity.
Defensive Numbers That Demand Respect
The draw against City further highlighted Sunderland’s defensive strength this season. Incredibly, the Black Cats have conceded only one more goal than Manchester City across the campaign, an extraordinary statistic given the difference in expectations and resources between the two clubs.
It is a testament to Le Bris’ tactical structure and the players’ willingness to execute it with consistency. Sunderland may not dominate matches, but they remain extremely efficient at limiting high-quality chances and staying competitive against elite opposition.
Pep Guardiola Acknowledges Sunderland’s Physical Edge
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was quick to credit Sunderland after the match, highlighting their physicality and aggression as key reasons behind City’s frustration.
“They are very physical, very strong,” Guardiola said. “So this is not something surprising. We take one point. The journey is still long.”
While Guardiola felt his side had done enough to deserve more, he acknowledged the reality of the result.
“In football, the result is what it is,” he added.
Advantage Arsenal as Title Race Tightens
City’s dropped points proved significant in the broader title race, as the draw prevented them from closing the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table. With Arsenal maintaining their perfect home rhythm, every missed opportunity for their closest rivals carries added weight.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s performance served as another reminder that they are far from an easy opponent, especially at the Stadium of Light. Their ability to frustrate top sides continues to earn them respect across the league.
Home Form as a Defining Factor
As the Premier League season progresses, home form may yet prove decisive. Arsenal’s dominance at the Emirates underpins their title ambitions, while Sunderland’s unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light has become the foundation of their survival push.
Different objectives, different journeys—but one shared strength. In a league defined by fine margins, both Arsenal and Sunderland have turned their home grounds into fortresses, setting them apart in a season full of surprises.
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