Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger

Gunners chief urges fans to back the side against Sunderland

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has called on the fans to back the team ahead of today’s FA Cup clash with Sunderland.

The Gunners face Martin O’Neill’s side off the back of Wednesday’s humiliating 4-0 Champions League defeat at the hands of AC Milan and the Gunners chief has urged the supporters not to give up on his side.

“We want the fans to be on our side and of course they were really great in Milan – fantastic – and we can only say sorry to them,” Wenger said.

“There will be another fight and we want them to be on our side, of course.

“I am sure that they will be.”

Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-1 in the league last weekend at the Stadium of Light and Wenger believes his team will take on a more attack-minded Black Cats side.

“I expect Sunderland to be more offensive, because they were maybe happy with a draw in the last game - which you can understand because they have done so well recently,” he added.

“Certainly, I expect a bit more forward drive [from Sunderland] and it will be important that we defend well.

“They will be going for it more. The pitch will be the same, but their attitude will be a bit more adventurous.”