Sunderland halts Arsenal’s 10-game streak with dramatic late equalizer

Sunderland halts Arsenal's 10-game streak with dramatic late equalizer

Sunderland ended Arsenal's 10-match winning run in the Premier League on Saturday, securing a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light with a last-gasp equalizer from Brian Brobbey. The result snapped the Gunners' club-record eight consecutive clean sheets and denied them an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Tactical disruption and late heroics

Regis le Bris' side, defying pre-season relegation predictions, executed a game plan designed to unsettle Arsenal's rhythm. Sunderland moved advertising hoardings inward to limit space for Arsenal's long throws-a tactic manager Le Bris confirmed post-match, calling it part of their "details to win."

Despite Arsenal's dominance in possession, Sunderland matched them in corners (two each) and capitalized on set-piece vulnerabilities. Dan Ballard's first-half opener-Arsenal's first goal conceded in 812 minutes-set the tone, while Brobbey's acrobatic finish in the 94th minute sealed the draw, marking Sunderland's fifth goal scored in the 90th minute or later this season, a league-high.

"They never stopped trying, asking questions of Arsenal. They kept making Arsenal defend, and when the chance came, they took it."

Darren Bent, former Sunderland striker

Arsenal's resilience tested

Arsenal, who had not conceded more than once in a game this season, saw 40% of their total goals against (2/5) come in this match. The draw ended their 14-game winning streak against promoted sides, dating back to May 2023, and marked their first dropped points since September.

Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged Sunderland's physicality but remained focused on the broader campaign: "We won the last 10 games, not conceded goals, we have seven players injured, and the team has been phenomenal." The Gunners now face a two-week international break before hosting Tottenham in the North London derby on 23 November.

Key performers: Xhaka and Ballard lead Sunderland's charge

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka orchestrated Sunderland's midfield, while defender Dan Ballard-another ex-Gunner-scored the opener, assisted Brobbey's equalizer, and made a crucial late block. Ballard, who never played for Arsenal's senior team, called the result a "morale boost" but cautioned, "It's just one point. We've got a lot of work to do to stay up."

"Ballard epitomised everything Sunderland did well-aggression, stopping Arsenal play. They're tough to break down."

Alan Shearer, BBC Match of the Day

Sunderland's rise continues

The Black Cats, now unbeaten at home with 19 points from 11 games, sit nine points clear of the relegation zone. Their high-press, physical approach-praised by pundits like Theo Walcott as "well organised"-has defied expectations, with former Arsenal forward Walcott noting: "Sunderland will be fine in this league. The Stadium of Light is not an easy place to play."

For Arsenal, the result serves as a rare check on their title ambitions, though Arteta dismissed concerns: "Let's get some players back and go again."