Arsenal shared the spoils against Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League game at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats made a brilliant start in the opening half and surprised the Gunners with their high pressing and physical presence.
Former Arsenal graduate Dan Ballard broke the deadlock from a set-piece for the Black Cats, and they deserved their 1-0 lead at the break.
However, the Gunners were the better side after the interval. Bukayo Saka equalised in the 54th minute after a superb interception by Declan Rice.
Rice stole possession from Enzo Le Fee before knocking the ball to Mikel Merino, who provided the perfect assist for the stand-in Arsenal skipper.
Leandro Trossard put Arsenal in front with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, but Sunderland managed to score a late stoppage-time equaliser.
Arsenal will feel they dropped two valuable points on the road after a superb comeback.
Rice stepped up after an average opening half, and the same can be said for Trossard. However, we were particularly impressed with Saka’s performance.
The 24-year-old led by example with a splendid captain’s display. Aside from his goal, Saka had 73 touches and completed 36 out of 41 passes attempted.
He won an impressive eight ground and aerial duels with eight recoveries. Saka would have been the man of the match, had Arsenal not conceded right at the end.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remain six points clear at the top of the table. Manchester City and Liverpool face each other at the Etihad Stadium later on Sunday.
The Gunners’ faithful will be hoping for a stalemate after yesterday’s result on Wearside.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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