SUNDERLAND'S slaughter of Cambridge United was so emphatic that Marcus Stewart couldn't keep track of the number of goals his side scored.

"How many did we get in the end? Was it seven, or eight? I lost count," Stewart confessed.

Now, the striker hopes he can keep track of the scoreline on Sunday - when the side he calls "the strongest in Europe" are expected to inflict a heavy defeat on Sunderland.

Arsenal are sweeping all before them in the Premiership and struggling Sunderland, with just three goals in eight league games, are viewed as the next victims of the Double winners' all-conquering machine.

Stewart, who scored twice against Cambridge, cannot hide his admiration for the Gunners and effectively admitted his team will be setting their stall out to take a point from Highbury.

He said: "Arsenal are a very strong side.

"In fact, I would say they're the strongest team in Europe at the moment.

"I think that they've taken over Manchester United's mantle this season. They've got such strength in depth and they're firing on all cylinders.

"It's going to be very difficult to get a win there. This year, most teams will be happy to get a draw at Highbury.

"I'm sure a lot of people would be happy if we got a point from the game because they're a very difficult team to beat.

"I didn't see the first 25 minutes of the Leeds v Arsenal game but apparently Arsenal were frightening.

"I think a manager would take a draw on Sunday and so would the fans. There are no weaknesses in the Arsenal team; they've really come of age this season.

"Now they want to do well in Europe, like Manchester United have done. I'm sure they can do that because they're such a good side."

Stewart, 29, unwittingly found himself thrust into a high-pressure situation at the Stadium of Light as soon as he completed his move from Ipswich Town at the end of August.

But he insists Sunderland's players were never downbeat, despite the immense scrutiny that they came under before Saturday's victory over Aston Villa.

He said: "I've found no negative feelings in the dressing room whatsoever.

"The lads and the manager have been very positive.

"We proved to everyone at Cambridge that we're a good side because that was a difficult tie.

"There's a desire among the players to do well for the manager because he's a top man.

"I've got the utmost respect for him, and whatever decisions he makes I agree with.

"It was very difficult for me after Ipswich were relegated and after we didn't start too well there this season.

"But after a change of clubs, hopefully I can go on from here and do well.

"It was good to score my first goals for Sunderland, though now I want to open my account in the Premiership because that's what counts.

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