Premier League leaders Arsenal saw their long winning streak end in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Sunderland. Substitute Brian Brobbey earned the hosts a well-deserved point with a stoppage-time equaliser on Saturday.
Leandro Trossard’s thunderous 74th-minute goal appeared to secure Arsenal their 11th consecutive win in all competitions, despite trailing at halftime. However, Brobbey struck in the 94th minute at the vibrant Stadium of Light.
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard had given the hosts the lead after 36 minutes, marking the first time Arsenal’s defence had been breached in nine matches.
Mikel Arteta’s team elevated their performance in the second half, with captain Bukayo Saka scoring the equaliser in the 54th minute. Belgian forward Trossard then delivered an unstoppable shot, leaving Robin Roefs no chance.
Sunderland, however, were not done. Brobbey exhibited great athleticism to volley past David Raya from close range.
Arsenal now have 26 points, with London rivals Chelsea in second place on 20 points after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 in the late game. Third-placed Manchester City can narrow the gap to four points if they defeat champions Liverpool at home on Sunday.
Promoted Sunderland are fourth with 19 points, marking a dream start to the season for Regis Le Bris’s side.
What Mikel Arteta Said?
“The game was almost there,” Arteta said, “but you know this is the Premier League and the manner that they play, they’re going to hang in there when it’s just one goal difference.
“I’m upset and frustrated because it’s an action that we can defend better, but as well you have to give credit to the opposition to do what they’ve done.”
No one embodied Sunderland’s fighting spirit more than former Arsenal academy player Ballard. He scored the opener, provided the headed assist for Brobbey’s late equaliser, and made a sensational goal-saving block from Mikel Merino in a frantic finish.
What Brian Brobbey Said?
“You saw again the fight in the team. “The boys worked so hard throughout the whole week. We fight right to the end,” said Ballard, whose winning goal sent Sunderland to last season’s Championship playoff final.
“The number of late goals we’ve scored – it’s brilliant.”
While Arsenal controlled the second half after a poor opening period, it was hard to deny that Sunderland deserved to become the first team to take league points off Arteta’s side since Manchester City in September.
Sunderland matched Arsenal physically in the first half, with Ballard showing great strength to hold off Declan Rice before driving a shot past Raya, thrilling the home fans.
Arsenal dominated after the break. Shortly after Saka dragged a shot wide, the England winger was played in by Mikel Merino to score following Rice’s turnover of possession.
Trossard’s goal seemed worthy of winning any game, but Arsenal’s hopes of opening up a provisional nine-point lead were dashed by Brobbey’s late goal.
“Obviously, the feeling is disappointment and frustration because we wanted the three points, and we have to navigate through a really tough game,” Arteta said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
