Sunderland defender John O'Shea believes his side will benefit from Arsenal's busy schedule as he sets his sights on revenge in the FA Cup.
Black Cats defender sets sight on revenge against Arsenal
Sunderland defender John O'Shea believes his side will benefit from Arsenal's busy schedule as he sets his sights on revenge in the FA Cup.
The Black Cats had been undefeated at home since the arrival of new manager Martin O'Neill but goals from Aaron Ramsey and Thierry Henry put an end to their Stadium of Light record.
O'Shea's fellow Irishman James McClean put the home side in the lead late into the second period and the former Manchester United stopper is determined Sunderland will prevail when the two meet again.
Saturday sees Arsenal travel north for the second time in a week to face the Black Cats in a fifth round FA Cup tie but the visitors must first take on the challenge of AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Rest
And the Republic of Ireland international believes that his side will benefit from the longer preparation period.
"Arsenal will have the Champions League to occupy their minds while we rest up and look forward to an FA Cup clash against a top team," he said.
"But one we'll be looking forward to and knowing we can win it."
Despite losing the Premier League clash O'Shea insists that the Black Cats should have been awarded a penalty in the first half after the ball appeared to strike Per Mertesacker's hand inside his own area.
Frustrating
The 30-year-old is adamant the official could have seen the incident but insists it will not be something his side dwell on as they concentrate on setting the record straight.
"I think the whole stadium saw it, including the referee," he added.
"It's very frustrating, because you see it so clearly, the referee does see it, he was looking because there's no one near the player.
"He chests it then it hits his own arm, you can easily avoid that, but it didn't go our way and you have to move on.
"We had our chances to win the game but we didn't take them."
