Drama under the Wearside floodlights as Sunderland snatched a last minute equaliser to halt Arsenal’s winning run and send the Stadium of Light into absolute chaos.
Brian Brobbey was the hero, firing home deep into stoppage time to rescue a precious point for the newly promoted Black Cats. Arsenal, who had not conceded since September, were finally breached and left shell shocked after surrendering two points at the death.
Sunderland have been a revelation since their return to the Premier League and they showed once again they belong among the big boys. They took the game to the league leaders from the start and were rewarded when Daniel Ballard, once an Arsenal academy product, struck the opener. The defender drilled his shot beyond David Raya to end Arsenal’s remarkable run of 812 minutes without conceding.
That goal lit up the home crowd and rattled Mikel Arteta’s side, who had arrived in the North East on a 10 match winning streak across all competitions. The visitors looked sluggish and short of ideas in the first half as Sunderland’s energy and belief carried them through every challenge.
Arsenal finally found their rhythm after the break. Declan Rice snapped into a tackle in midfield, the ball was quickly moved to Bukayo Saka, and the winger squeezed a low right foot finish inside the near post to level the scores. Suddenly it was all Arsenal, and the leaders looked set to make it eleven wins on the bounce.
Martin Zubimendi smacked the woodwork with a thunderous drive before Leandro Trossard appeared to have sealed the comeback, curling a beauty from 20 yards into the top corner. The away fans erupted, thinking the points were safe. But Sunderland had other ideas.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Brobbey saw his first effort brilliantly saved by Raya. Yet the Dutchman refused to give in. Moments later, when another loose ball fell his way, he hooked it into the net to spark wild celebrations all around the ground. The roar could be heard across the Tyne.
The draw keeps Arsenal seven points clear at the top, though that cushion may shrink when Manchester City face Liverpool on Sunday. For Sunderland, the fairytale continues. Unbeaten at home and now up to third in the table, Tony Mowbray’s men have proved they are no easy touch.
On a night of passion and pride, Sunderland showed the heart of the North East still beats strong in the Premier League.