Table of Contents
MATCH SUMMARY
ARSENAL missed the opportunity to make significant progress toward the Premier League title as they were held to a draw by Sunderland.
The Gunners appeared set to secure a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light, thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal were on track for a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light thanks to Leandro Trossard’s stunning goalCredit: SHUTTERSTOCK
However, Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time equaliser denied the visitors all three pointsCredit: ACTION IMAGES
A stoppage-time equaliser from Brian Brobbey prevented the north Londoners from extending their lead to NINE points over second-placed Manchester City.
The draw also meant that Arsenal's squad missed the chance to go TEN points ahead of defending champions Liverpool.
SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse was present at the Stadium of Light and is here to evaluate Arteta’s starting XI and substitutes.
PLAYER RATINGS
DAVID RAYA – 8/10
There was nothing he could have done to stop Dan Ballard’s powerful shot, and he didn't have many saves to make until a remarkable double stop from Brian Brobbey late in the match. His ball distribution was excellent.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
He continues to improve with each game. He remained calm and composed defensively, even after a head cut that forced him to channel his inner Terry Butcher.
He was not deceived by any of Enzo Le Fee’s tricks, and the substitute Simon Adingra had little success against him.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
He had a great opportunity to equalize from 12 yards after Saka’s knockdown just before halftime but his shot ended up in the nearby River Wear.
Defensively solid, he seemed to enjoy the physical contest with Wilson Isidor, but was ultimately let down by his partner late in the game.
Credit: Getty Images
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
He was caught a bit flat-footed as Nordi Mukiele reacted quickly to assist Dan Ballard for the opener.
He was outmuscled by Brian Brobbey right at the end as Sunderland snatched victory from Arsenal’s grasp.
RICCARDO CALIFIORI – 7
He could have been closer to Gabriel to help prevent the Sunderland goal. However, he stood firm to deny Bertrand Traore an early run through and remained resilient throughout the match.
Gabriel Magalhaes was at fault for Sunderland’s equaliserCredit: Getty Images
EBERECHI EZE – 6
He fired a weak shot over the bar early on as he struggled to make an impact on the match.
He became more involved in the second half but had a quiet night overall and was an obvious choice to be substituted late on as Mikel Arteta aimed to maintain their position.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 8
He received a booking for a foul on Wilson Isidor in a first half where he struggled to find his rhythm.
However, like the rest of the Gunners, he played a much more active role after halftime.
He struck the crossbar from 18 yards, was central to nearly all of Arsenal’s positive attacking efforts, and rightfully earned our top rating.
