Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal: Brobbey’s Late Heroics Deny Gunners Victory in Stadium of Light Thriller.
Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal: Brobbey’s Late Heroics Deny Gunners Victory in Stadium of Light Thriller.
Brian Brobbey celebrates his stoppage-time equaliser as Sunderland stun Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions took a knock as Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a dramatic 2–2 draw by newly-promoted Sunderland in a pulsating clash in the North East.
Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time strike ensured the Gunners dropped valuable points in their pursuit of a ninth league win of the season, while Tony Mowbray’s men extended their unbeaten run to four matches continuing their fairytale return to the top flight.
Dan Ballard’s first-half thunderbolt put Sunderland in front, before Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard turned the game around for the visitors. Yet, in true Sunderland fashion, the hosts refused to surrender Brobbey’s late goal securing a richly deserved point.
Saka and Trossard Turn the Tide
Arsenal were slow to find their rhythm in the opening stages, and Sunderland took full advantage. Ballard unleashed a fierce right-footed drive from distance that flew beyond David Raya, sending the home support into ecstasy.
Arteta’s men responded after the break when Saka pounced on a rare defensive lapse, coolly steering home from close range. Leandro Trossard then fired the visitors ahead in the 74th minute, curling an inch-perfect shot past Anthony Patterson to silence the Stadium of Light.
For a spell, it appeared as though Arsenal would complete a professional away win one that title contenders are expected to see through. But Sunderland had other ideas.
Brobbey’s Moment of Magic
With Arsenal retreating into their shape, Sunderland pushed forward relentlessly in the dying minutes. In stoppage time, substitute Patrick Roberts swung in a teasing cross that fell to Brobbey, who turned sharply and buried the ball past Raya.
The eruption from the home crowd was deafening. The Dutch striker’s fifth goal of the season salvaged a point and underlined Sunderland’s growing confidence as they continue to upset the Premier League hierarchy.
Arteta: “We Lost Control When It Mattered Most”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted frustration after his side failed to hold onto their lead.
We had control of the game after going 2–1 up,” Arteta said. “But in the Premier League, if you switch off for even a second, you get punished. Sunderland fought until the end and made it very difficult for us.”
He added:
“We’ll learn from this. The effort was there, the mentality was there, but when you’re top of the table, you can’t afford to drop focus in the final moments.
Xhaka: “We Need to Stay Calm and Focused”
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, now a pundit for Swiss television, gave his perspective on the result.
“This is what happens when you lose control emotionally,” he said. “Arsenal are brilliant going forward, but when they lead, they must stay calm and manage the game. Sunderland didn’t stop believing, and they deserved their goal. It’s a big lesson for that dressing room.”
Sunderland’s Remarkable Run Continues
For Sunderland, the result represents another milestone in what is fast becoming a season to remember. The Black Cats have now taken points off Tottenham, Newcastle, and Arsenal three of last season’s top six and continue to defy expectations.
> “We’re building something special,” said Mowbray. “The lads gave everything again, and the crowd pushed us all the way. The belief is growing every week.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager:
We dominated parts of the game but didn’t finish it off. Credit to Sunderland they never gave up.
Granit Xhaka (former Arsenal captain):
“You can’t keep letting games slip away like this if you want to be champions.”
Player of the Match: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Ekwah; Clarke, E. Roberts, Ba; Brobbey.
Subs: Seelt, Pembele, Bellingham, Aouchiche, Rusyn.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Ødegaard, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Subs: Jorginho, Nketiah, Tomiyasu, Nelson, Smith Rowe.
Next Up
Sunderland: travel to Aston Villa next Saturday (15:00 GMT)
Arsenal: host Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday (14:00 GMT)
Analysis Chris Sutton, BBC Sport
This was a test of Arsenal’s temperament as much as their talent and they didn’t pass it. When you’re 2–1 up away from home against a newly-promoted side, you have to see it through. Instead, they invited pressure, lost control, and paid the price.
Sunderland deserve every bit of credit. They’re organised, brave, and play without fear a reflection of Tony Mowbray’s personality. Brobbey has been a revelation, Ballard is growing into a leader, and the Stadium of Light is starting to feel like a fortress again.
For Arsenal, this isn’t a disaster but it’s a reminder
that titles aren’t won in moments of brilliance, they’re won by managing the ugly moments too.
