Arsenal’s long winning streak came to an end at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland held the Premier League leaders to a thrilling 2–2 draw. The result brought an unexpected halt to Arsenal’s charge, with Regis Le Bris’ side showing remarkable determination and organisation to frustrate the visitors.
The Gunners arrived in the North East looking to record an eleventh straight victory and a ninth successive clean sheet. However, Sunderland, who have defied expectations this season, produced a spirited performance that disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm and secured a valuable point. The home side, promoted earlier this year and tipped by many to struggle, continue to impress as they remain in the hunt for European football.
Dan Ballard opened the scoring for Sunderland in the first half, ending Arsenal’s run of clean sheets that had lasted since September. Although the visitors recovered to take a 2–1 lead, Sunderland’s persistence paid off in stoppage time when Brian Brobbey acrobatically converted a late equaliser, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and fans alike.
The draw not only ended Arsenal’s defensive record of 812 minutes without conceding but also underlined the fearless approach of Sunderland. Le Bris’ team used every detail to gain an advantage, even moving the advertising boards closer to the pitch to restrict Arsenal’s space for long throws, a tactic designed to nullify one of their key attacking threats.
“We tried to find the small details that could help us,” said Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris after the match. “They are very strong from set pieces, but so are we, and that made a big difference in this game.”
The strategy worked effectively, as Arsenal were limited to only two corners throughout the match, the same number as Sunderland. Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, now Sunderland’s captain, led by example with a combative and commanding display in midfield, setting the tone for the home side’s aggressive yet disciplined performance.
Mikel Arteta’s team appeared to have turned the match around after scoring twice in the second half, but Sunderland continued to press forward and showed great belief that they could still earn something. Brobbey’s equaliser in added time was Sunderland’s fifth goal this season scored in the 90th minute or later, the most by any team in the Premier League.
“There are a lot of games like this in the Premier League,” said Arteta. “We conceded from one of their biggest strengths. They are very good at creating pressure and chaos in the final moments, and they made it count.”
The statistics highlight the significance of Sunderland’s achievement. Arsenal had not conceded a decisive goal in stoppage time since September 2024, and this was their first failure to beat a promoted side in the Premier League since May 2023. It was also the first time this season that they had conceded more than one goal in a single match.
Former Sunderland striker Darren Bent praised the team’s attitude and persistence. “They never stopped believing or working,” he said. “They kept forcing Arsenal to defend and took their opportunity when it came.”
Two former Arsenal players, Granit Xhaka and Dan Ballard, were central to Sunderland’s success. Xhaka led his team with authority and intensity, while Ballard, who began his career at Arsenal’s academy before joining Sunderland in 2022, delivered an outstanding performance. He scored the opener, assisted the late equaliser, and made a vital block in the dying seconds to deny his former club a winner.
“It’s a big confidence boost to show we can compete with one of the best teams in Europe,” Ballard told Match of the Day. “We are happy with the point, but there is still plenty of work ahead to achieve our goal of staying up.”
Pundit Alan Shearer also praised Ballard’s contribution. “He was outstanding, showing bravery and determination,” Shearer said. “Sunderland made life very difficult for Arsenal, and they fully deserved their result.”
The draw means Sunderland remain unbeaten at home with 19 points from 11 matches, sitting comfortably nine points above the relegation zone. Theo Walcott, speaking on Match of the Day, described Sunderland as “well-organised, relentless, and physically strong,” adding that the Stadium of Light has once again become a difficult place for any team to visit.
For Arsenal, the result serves as a reminder that even the best teams can be tested. Despite the setback, Mikel Arteta’s side continue to lead the title race and will now look to recover during the international break before facing Tottenham in the North London derby on 23 November.
“We have been excellent,” said Arteta. “We have won ten games in a row, kept many clean sheets, and dealt with several injuries. The players have shown great character, and now we will recover, get people back, and go again.”
Sunderland’s resilience earned them a famous result, while Arsenal will take comfort in their overall consistency. For the home side, this was another step in proving they belong among the Premier League’s toughest competitors.
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