Sunderland skipper Lorik Cana believes the Black Cats are well capable of putting a dent in Arsenal's title challenge when the Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Steve Bruce's side have performed admirably against Arsenal's 'Big Four' rivals so far this season, following a 3-1 loss to Chelsea, they managed a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford and ran out 1-0 winners over Liverpool on Wearside last month.

Truth be told, they should have beaten Manchester United, and were only denied a win by a last minute Anton Ferdinand own goal, while they positively outplayed Rafael Benitez's side, albeit while the Reds were on their spectacular losing streak.

Cana, 26, is confident Sunderland can put the breaks on the Gunners' impressive run, which has included crushing defeats of Tottenha, and Wolves, while coinciding with a rather lean patch on the winning front for Bruce's men.

"Sometimes when we play against the big teams we already bring up our level of concentration, performance and fighting spirit," Cana told the Daily Telegraph.

"Now we need to keep that all the time and not lose it like we have in two or three games. But on Saturday I am sure we will be ready and we can do well.

"Arsenal are a very good team, no doubt, and they will be up there with Manchester United and Chelsea. They have been playing very well - especially in the last few weeks - and are a threat whether at home or away."

Cana, who was once denied the chance to take up an invitation of a trial with the Gunners due to visa complications, returns to the Black Cats' midfield having missed the disappointing 2-0 defeat by Spurs a fortnight ago through suspension.