LEICESTER CITY title hero Danny Simpson has told Sunderland: ‘Beat Arsenal and dream you can do what we did!’
The Black Cats have taken the Premier League by storm and head into today’s clash with the table-toppers sitting fourth.
Simpson, who helped Sunderland to promotion in 2007, was part of the famous Foxes 1000-1 underdog story in 2016.
And the 38-year-old believes Granit Xhaka and Co. should believe they can pull off the impossible if they can topple the Gunners.
Speaking exclusively to Sun Sport via Dream Vegas, Simpson said: “What we did at Leicester was special. They’re not conceding, which is massive. So why not dream? We did.
“With the noise and the fans up in the North East, if they can beat Arsenal this weekend, convincingly, there’s no reason why not.
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“But if I was in their position now, I’d say, ‘Lads, we’ve got to finish in the top ten’.
“That would be our minimum now after ten games, a quarter way through the season. If we finish below the top ten after that start, I’d say it’s disappointing.
“Ask me again after 20 games and we’ll see, but definitely top ten is what Sunderland should be aiming for now.”
Sunderland have already won at Chelsea in their stunning start.
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And with a five-match unbeaten home record behind them, Simpson believes they can bring Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal crashing back down to earth in front of a raucous Stadium of Light.
He added: “Yeah, I think so. With their energy, especially as they’re at home for a 5.30pm kick-off and with where they are at the moment.
“I played up there and know what the fans are like. They all love their football. The way they’ve started in the Premier League, they must be on cloud nine.
“It’s weird to say because Arsenal are absolutely flying, but I do think it’s a game Arsenal will look at and think, “That’s going to be tough.”
“Sunderland have had a bit more time, a week, to prepare.
“Obviously, Arsenal have had Europe, and there’s an extra psychological effect going into that game with travelling up there, and Sunderland will be at home ready to play against them.
“It’s going to be a really tight game, and I’m looking forward to it. Sunderland have only conceded eight goals, which is the second-lowest in the league. Arsenal have conceded three.
“So as long as Sunderland keep the back door shut and maybe try and nick a goal they have a chance. But that is tough to do against Arsenal at the minute.”
