Sunderland Fight Back with Late Brian Brobbey Equaliser to Hold Leaders Arsenal
Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.
Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners
It was a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.
The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team
The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.
Sunderland's Strong Start
Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.
His Experience and Guidance
The player's experience, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.
Early Moments and Knocks
The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.
Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.
Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.
Sunderland Go Ahead
A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.
Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.
Arsenal Fight Back
The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.
They needed a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.
Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.
Trossard Extends the Lead
A further moment of quality was not far away. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.
Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub
The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.
Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.