Sunderland 2 Arsenal 2 – How was defence breached? Saka and Trossard step up (again) – The Athl…

Explore the latest developments concerning Sunderland 2 Arsenal.

Sunderland 2 Arsenal 2 – How was defence breached? Saka and Trossard step up (again) – The Athletic

Leandro Trossard celebrates after hammering his goal into the top corner Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images

Arsenal conceded twice for the first time this season as Brian Brobbey’s added-time equaliser snatched battling Sunderland a point at the Stadium of Light.

Former Arsenal academy defender Dan Ballard’s fine finish gave the home team a half-time lead but a goal from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard’s rocket turned the game on its head before Brobbey hooked in his 94th-minute leveller.

After an opening 35 minutes where the ball was barely in play, Arsenal’s proud record of not conceding was ended by Ballard. A long punt forward caused chaos in the box and he thundered in a half-volley — the first time David Raya had been beaten in 812 minutes. In a match where Arsenal were looking toothless in attack without injured striker Viktor Gyokeres, William Saliba wasted a great chance to equalise just before the break when he blazed over the bar.

Premier League: How Sunderland stopped the Arsenal machine

For a long while this season, Arsenal have looked an unstoppable force.

They arrived at Sunderland on Saturday looking to extend their winning run to 11 consecutive games and keep a club-record ninth clean sheet in a row.

Victory would have sent them eight points clear at the top by the end of the day, but the Black Cats that crossed the Gunners' path at the Stadium of Light were set on being disruptive.

Regis le Bris' side, the pre-season relegation favourites, have surpassed all expectations on their return to the Premier League and are sitting pretty in the European places for now.

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal (Nov 8, 2025) Game Analysis

Brian Brobbey scored a last-gasp equaliser as high-flying Sunderland held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.

A stop-start first-half suddenly sparked into life when former Arsenal academy product Dan Ballard sent the hosts ahead with a thumping finish, ending the Gunners' run of eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.

Bukayo Saka levelled with a low effort after the break and, with Arsenal having controlled most of the game for the second half, Leandro Trossard sent the visitors ahead with a stunning effort from outside the area.

Late drama followed as Brobbey stabbed home from Ballard's header to earn a point for the hosts against the division's top side.

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