Following their midweek Champions League triumph in Prague, Arsenal traveled to the Stadium of Light seeking a fifth consecutive Premier League victory and to extend their impressive winning streak to eleven matches across all competitions. Mikel Arteta's side faced a Sunderland team known for their resilience and ability to score late goals, having already netted five times in the 90th minute or later this season. The challenge was clear: maintain focus for the full 90 minutes and secure three vital points in the title race.
Mikel Arteta: "Sunderland have shown great character this season, particularly in the closing stages of matches. They're a team that never gives up, and we must be prepared for a battle. Our job is to impose our quality, control the game, and ensure we're switched on from the first whistle to the final whistle. Concentration will be key."
The match began with both sides creating chances, but it was Sunderland who struck first. In the 36th minute, Dan Ballard found the net with an assist from Nordi Mukiele, giving the home side a deserved lead and ending Arsenal's remarkable run of 812 minutes without conceding a goal across all competitions. The goal energized the Stadium of Light and presented Arsenal with their first significant test of resilience in weeks.
Arsenal emerged from halftime with renewed determination, and their response came in the 54th minute. Bukayo Saka leveled the score with a well-taken finish, assisted by Mikel Merino, to make it 1-1. The equalizer shifted momentum back in Arsenal's favor, and the Gunners began to assert their dominance as they pushed for a winner.
The pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal the lead with a powerful strike from outside the box. The Belgian's goal, assisted by Martín Zubimendi, appeared to have secured all three points for the visitors and kept their winning streak alive. Arsenal looked in control as the match entered its final stages.
However, drama awaited in stoppage time. In the 90+3 minute, Brian Brobbey produced an acrobatic finish to level the score at 2-2, with Dan Ballard providing the assist. The late equalizer sent the home fans into raptures and denied Arsenal what would have been their eleventh consecutive victory. It marked Sunderland's fifth goal scored in the 90th minute or later this Premier League season, with three of those altering the result in their favor.
Mikel Arteta acknowledged the disappointment while recognizing the quality of the opposition.
Mikel Arteta: "It's frustrating to concede so late after we had done the hard work to come from behind and take the lead. Credit to Sunderland—they showed great character and never stopped fighting. We had opportunities to put the game to bed, and in these moments, you must be clinical. It's a learning experience, and we'll take the positives from our response in the second half."
Bukayo Saka: "Obviously we're disappointed not to get the three points, especially after going ahead. But this is football, and Sunderland deserved credit for their fight. We showed good character to come back from 1-0 down, and we created enough chances to win. We need to learn from this and make sure we see games out when we're in front."
The Man of the Match award goes to Bukayo Saka. Despite the disappointing result, Saka's equalizer sparked Arsenal's comeback, and his constant threat down the right flank troubled Sunderland throughout. His assist for Merino's goal earlier in the week and his goal today demonstrate his importance to this Arsenal side, even when results don't go their way.
Arsenal now turn their attention to a crucial North London Derby, hosting Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, November 23, in what promises to be a pivotal encounter in the title race.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/news/gallery-31-photos-our-sunderland-trip