Mikel Arteta: Arsenal fans can create the title-hunt energy against Sunderland

He stressed that unity and atmosphere could play a decisive role in the outcome.

The Arsenal manager spoke of the importance of full supporter involvement as his side look to build momentum after recently returning to winning ways in the league with a victory over Leeds United.

Expectations are high that the Gunners can continue collecting points, particularly given the quality and depth within the squad, but Arteta warned there is no room for complacency at this stage of the season.

"[I want] the best atmosphere that we've seen, everybody ready for 3pm to exploit [the chance]," said Arteta, as quoted by Arsenal Media.

"That's what we want. We start to get into a really crucial part of the season and we know what every game means and we need to get into the stadium with that energy, all of us.

"That's the priority and the only priority and the only focus that we have to put all our energy and commitment [into] and we will do that tomorrow and try to earn the right to win the game."

Arsenal believe the fixture represents a must-win encounter as they continue to push for the Premier League title.

With the margins so fine in the title race, dropped points at home could prove costly, and Arteta has underlined the need for focus and intensity in every match from now until the end of the campaign.

Recent weeks have been demanding for both sides, and Sunderland arrive in north London full of confidence and motivation. The visitors are targeting European qualification and are aiming to complete a league double over Arsenal, adding extra edge to what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.