Sunderland halted Arsenal’s 10-game winning run with Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser as Sunderland ended Arsenal’s 10-game winning streak with a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Dan Ballard, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard were also on target in a game that had everything; intensity, drama, and late heartbreak for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Black Cats, unbeaten at home this season, once again proved their resilience in front of 46,799 fans. The result leaves Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Sunderland climbed to fourth after another strong showing.
Sunderland, who have exceeded all expectations since returning to the top flight, made a bright start. Their reward came in the 36th minute when Nordi Mukiele nodded down a free-kick for Ballard, who blasted past David Raya to give the hosts the lead.
It was a special moment for the former Arsenal academy defender and the first goal the Gunners had conceded in 812 minutes across all competitions. Arsenal struggled for rhythm in the opening half and could only muster half-chances through Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice.
Whatever Arteta said at the break worked wonders. Arsenal came out sharper, hungrier, and more aggressive. Declan Rice pressed high to rob Enzo Le Fee in midfield, setting up a slick move that ended with Bukayo Saka slotting home at the near post in the 54th minute.
From that point, Arsenal dominated. Martin Zubimendi struck the crossbar with a ferocious volley before Trossard produced a stunning finish in the 74th minute, curling the ball into the top corner from 20 yards. The Gunners looked set for another routine win; until the dying seconds.
Sunderland’s never-say-die attitude shone through again. Brobbey, introduced late in the second half, forced two excellent saves from Raya before finally getting his reward. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, he reacted quickest to Ballard’s header, hooking the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations.
Ballard was immense at both ends for Sunderland, earning the man-of-the-match award. Saka and Trossard continued their fine form for Arsenal, while Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka led by example, disrupting his former side’s rhythm with tireless pressing.
Sunderland have now scored five goals in the 90th minute or later this season, more than any other Premier League side. Three of those have directly earned them points.
Sunderland will look to build on this momentum when they travel to Fulham on November 22nd. Regis Le Bris’s men remain unbeaten at home and continue to defy expectations with their fearless football.
Arsenal, meanwhile, must regroup quickly before hosting Tottenham in the North London Derby on November 23rd. Arteta will hope his side’s defensive composure returns as the title race gains pace.
