Sunderland and Arsenal showcased an action-packed match that ended in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, as part of the Premier League’s 11th round.
The scoring was kicked off by Daniel Ballard for Sunderland, who found the net with a well-executed play in the 36th minute of the first half. Arsenal, determined to come back, did not let the deficit hold them back and managed to score twice, first with Bukayo Saka in the 53rd minute and then Leandro Trossard in the 73rd minute, turning the match around. However, Brian Brobbey equalized for Sunderland in the 93rd minute, securing a hard-fought point for the home side.
A standout moment of the match came when Leandro Trossard struck a fantastic shot into the top right corner, assisted by Martín Zubimendi in the 73rd minute.
Arsenal had a chance to take the lead in the 64th minute but saw a powerful effort hit the post, leaving Zubimendi frustrated.
Despite dominating possession with a total of 17 attempts on goal, Arsenal struggled with finishing their chances; only 9 of those shots were on target, one struck the woodwork, while 5 went off target.
Brian Brobbey’s performance earned him the Man of the Match title, as he not only scored a vital goal but also took 2 shots on goal and completed 4 successful passes.
Another notable player was Bukayo Saka for Arsenal, who scored once, attempted 3 shots on Sunderland’s goal, and completed 35 passes effectively.
Sunderland’s coach, Regis Le Bris, set up a 5-4-1 formation with Robin Roefs in goal; Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Reinildo Mandava in defense; Bertrand Traoré, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, and Enzo Le Fée in midfield; and Wilson Isidor led the attack.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side lined up in a 4-3-3 formation featuring David Raya in goal; Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori in defense; Eberechi Eze, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice in midfield; and Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Leandro Trossard in the front.
The match at the Stadium of Light was officiated by referee Craig Pawson.
In their next fixtures, Sunderland will travel to face Fulham, while Arsenal will host Tottenham in the highly anticipated North London Derby, which is a significant event for both sets of supporters.
Currently, the home side sits third in the league with 19 points, while the visitors are at the top with 26 points.
Substitutions for Sunderland
62’ 2T – Wilson Isidor off for Brian Brobbey
63’ 2T – Enzo Le Fée off for Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traoré off for Simon Adingra
86’ 2T – Lutsharel Geertruida off for Eliezer Mayenda
Yellow cards for Sunderland:
45’ 1T Granit Xhaka (Holding the opponent to prevent advancement) and 27’ 2T Reinildo Mandava (Holding the opponent to prevent advancement)
Substitutions for Arsenal
87’ 2T – Eberechi Eze off for Cristhian Mosquera
Yellow card for Arsenal:
35’ 1T Martín Zubimendi (Holding the opponent to prevent advancement)