Dan Ballard gets a goal and an assist, as Brian Brobbey’s first goal for Sunderland rescues a point for the Black Cats against the league leaders.
Sunderland started the game brilliantly, bullying Arsenal physically, as ultimately stopping them creating any real chances.
Then, big Dan Ballard broke Arsenal’s 13 hour clean sheet streak with an absolute thunderbolt of a half-volley against his former club.
Robin Roefs launched a free-kick into the box, Nordi Mukiele headed it down to Dan Ballard, who smashed it into the back of the net.
Arsenal came out in the second half, looking a lot better, but it took a mistake from Enzo Le fee, who the the ball to Declan Rice deep into the Sunderland half.
Rice picked out Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side of the box, and he slotted the ball brilliantly into the near post.
Thr League leaders continued to ask questions from Sunderland, and Zubimendi was extremely unlucky not to score with a beautiful volley on the edge of the box, which slammed off the underside of the bar.
Their pressure did eventually count, as Leandro Troassard scored an absolute rocket out of nowhere, as he cut inside and blasted the ball into the top corner.
Sunderland reacted really well, and pegged Arsenal back, forcing Raya to make some decent saves, before Brian Brobbey managed to force the ball into the net in the 94th minute.
Trai Hume chipped in a ball towards Dan Ballard, who headed the ball across towards Brobbey, who was too strong for Gabriel, and he managed to flick the ball past David Raya to move Sunderland up to 3rd.
Arsenal had one more huge opportunity to win the game right at the death, but Califiori’s header at the back post was well saved, before Dan Ballard flung himself at Mike Merino to block a certain goal.
Arsenal go 7 points clear, at least until Liverpool play tomorrow against Manchester City, and Sunderland move up to 3rd in the league!
MoTM – Dan Ballard