Has Arsenal’s title charge just been dented? Gunners’s unbeaten run tested in dramatic draw
Arsenal defensive record broken with Balogun and Brobbey strike
Has Arsenal’s title charge just been shaken? Gunners’ invincibility tested in dramatic draw
Arsenal’s defensive wall collapsed as the Premier League leaders were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday – a result which gives Manchester City a golden chance to close the gap at the top.
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The draw keeps Mikel Arteta’s men at the top of the Premier League table with 26 points, seven clear of City, but that advantage could be reduced to four if Pep Guardiola’s side beat Liverpool in Sunday’s blockbuster clash.
Sunderland strike first
The home crowd erupted in the 36th minute when Daniel Ballard – the Northern Ireland centre-back – rose highest to meet Nordi Mukiele, guiding his header past David Raya to give Sunderland a surprise 1-0 lead.
The goal had extra significance: according to Squawka, it was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in 812 minutes in all competitions, ending their incredible defensive run dating back to the 2-0 victory over Newcastle in week six.
Arsenal fight back thanks to Saka and Trossard
Arsenal regrouped after half-time and in the 54th minute Bukayo Saka equalized with a neat left-footed strike after a smart pass from Mikel Merino.
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Arteta’s side looked to have completed the turnaround in the 74th minute when Leandro Trossard unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box to make it 2-1 – his 3rd goal of the campaign.
Brobbey’s latest exploits belie the Gunners
But Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris’ daring triple substitution in the 63rd minute, with Brian Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra, finally paid off.
In the 88th minute, Brobbey pounced on a loose ball after a set-piece run to shoot past Raya, salvaging a valuable point for the Black Cats. The Ballard Sunderland hero at both ends capped his remarkable performance by clearing a goal-bound effort from deep in stoppage time.
Defensive record shattered and Guardiola’s wish granted
Prior to this match, Arsenal had conceded just three goals in ten league matches, with their defense hailed as the tightest in Europe. Raya’s net was eventually broken, however, ending his personal streak of 449 minutes in the Premier League.
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The moment did not go unnoticed by Pep Guardiola, who jokingly told reporters earlier in the week:
“To compete with Arsenal for the title, I hope they concede soon, that would help us” and his wish came true.
Match Summary – Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal
Goals: Ballard (36), Saka (54), Trossard (74), Brobbey (88)
Competition: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 11
Man of the match: Daniel Ballard (Sunderland)
The draw sees Arsenal extend their unbeaten run but lose 2 vital points in the title race while Sunderland achieve a morale-boosting result after a difficult start to the season.