Arsenal’s defensive file damaged as Balogun & Brobbey strike
Has Arsenal’s title cost simply been dented? Gunners’s unbeaten run examined in dramatic draw
Arsenal’s defensive wall crumbled because the Premier League leaders have been held to dramatic 2-2 draw by Sunderland on the Stadium of Mild on Saturday — a end result that fingers Manchester Metropolis golden likelihood to shut the hole on the prime.
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The draw retains Mikel Arteta’s males prime of the Premier League desk with 26 level, seven away from Metropolis however that cushion may shrink to 4 if Pep Guardiola’s aspect beat Liverpool in Sunday’s blockbuster conflict.
Sunderland strike first
The house crowd erupted within the 36 minute when Daniel Ballard — the Northern Irish centre-back — rose highest to satisfy Nordi Mukiele supply guiding his header previous David Raya to provide Sunderland shock 1-0 lead.
That purpose carried added significance: in keeping with Squawka, it was the primary purpose Arsenal conceded in 812 minute throughout all competitions ending their unbelievable defensive run that stretched again to the 2-0 win over Newcastle in matchweek 6.
Arsenal struggle again by way of Saka & Trossard
Arsenal regrouped after halftime and within the 54 minute Bukayo Saka equalised with crisp left-footed strike after intelligent help from Mikel Merino.
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Arteta’s aspect appeared to have accomplished the turnaround within the 74 minute when Leandro Trossard unleashed thunderbolt from the sting of the field to make it 2-1 — his third purpose of the marketing campaign.
Brobbey’s late heroics deny the Gunners
However Sunderland supervisor Régis Le Bris’s daring triple substitution within the 63 minute introducing Brian Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra — finally paid off.
Within the 88 minute, Brobbey pounced on free ball after set-piece scramble to fireplace previous Raya salvaging valuable level for the Black Cats. Ballard Sunderland’s hero at each ends capped his standout show by clearing goal-bound effort deep in stoppage time.
Defensive file shattered and Guardiola’s want fulfilled
Earlier than this recreation, Arsenal had conceded simply three purpose in ten league match, their defence hailed because the tightest in Europe. Raya’s web, nevertheless was lastly breached — ending his private clean-sheet streak of 449 Premier League minute.
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The second didn’t go unnoticed by Pep Guardiola who jokingly advised reporters earlier within the week:
“To compete with Arsenal for the title, I hope they concede quickly — that will assist us” and his want got here true.
Match Abstract – Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal
Targets: Ballard (36), Saka (54), Trossard (74), Brobbey (88)
Competitors: Premier League 2025 /26 – matchweek 11
Man of the Match: Daniel Ballard (Sunderland)
The draw sees Arsenal lengthen their unbeaten run however lose 2 important level within the title race whereas Sunderland earn morale-boosting end result after tough begin to the season.