Sunderland Fight Back with Injury-Time Brobbey Equaliser to Draw With Leaders Arsenal
Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.
Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners
Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.
The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland
Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.
The Home Side's Impressive Opening
Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the top flight.
His Experience and Leadership
Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.
Early Incidents and Injuries
The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.
Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.
Isidor fired off target at the other end before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.
The Hosts Take the Lead
A more painful setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.
Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.
The Gunners Respond
The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.
They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.
Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.
The Winger Extends the Lead
A further moment of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough space to lash 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 pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.
Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.
