Sunderland Stage Comeback with Injury-Time Brobbey Equaliser to Draw With Leaders Arsenal
It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.
A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners
It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.
Xhaka's Influence on His New Team
Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.
The Home Side's Strong Start
The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.
Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership
Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.
Early Moments and Knocks
Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.
Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.
Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.
The Hosts Take the Lead
A more painful blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.
Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.
Arsenal Fight Back
The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.
They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.
Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.
Trossard Increases the Lead
Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.
Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub
Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.
Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.