Arsenal’s Premier League title bid suffered a setback after a late equaliser from newly promoted Sunderland, with former Gunner Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey scoring for the Black Cats, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard found the net for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Sunderland snatched a dramatic point from Premier League leaders Arsenal, with Brian Brobbey netting a stunning late equaliser at the Stadium of Light. Mikel Arteta’s title hopefuls were thwarted in their bid to extend their lead at the top of the table after a thrilling contest that ended 2-2.
The result, according to Daily Star reporting, also snapped Arsenal’s club record-equalling clean sheet run of eight games.
The Gunners fell behind in the 36th minute after former Arsenal academy defender Dan Ballard opened the scoring for the newly promoted side. Pundit Jim Beglin remarked on the opener:
“Everything is direct and pretty long from Sunderland – Ballard misses out initially but he follows up and Declan Rice gets caught out. It’s great control, to get that power on the shot – and it’s another wow moment for the Black Cats.”
Arsenal responded quickly after the break, as Bukayo Saka levelled the score in the 53rd minute before Leandro Trossard fired Arsenal into a 2-1 lead with a sublime effort in the 74th minute. Regarding Trossard’s goal, former Scotland star James McFadden stated: “That is quite sensational from Trossard.
“He has been in that position a number of times this evening where he has cut inside and the space just opens up for him. He doesn’t need another invitation – he smashes it near post. It is a thing of beauty.”
However, the drama was not over. Deep into stoppage time, Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey hooked the ball past David Raya to secure a point for the hosts. Arsenal players protested, but McFadden noted:
“The noise, the reaction from the fans in here is absolutely incredible! I’m not sure what Arsenal are claiming [a foul] for.”