Has Arsenal’s title charge just been dented? Gunners’s unbeaten run tested in dramatic draw | OneFootball

Arsenal’s defensive record broken as Balogun & Brobbey strike

Has Arsenal’s title charge just been dented? Gunners’s unbeaten run tested in dramatic draw

Arsenal’s defensive wall crumbled as the Premier League leaders were held to dramatic 2-2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday — a result that hands Manchester City golden chance to close the gap at the top.

The draw keeps Mikel Arteta’s men top of the Premier League table with 26 point, seven clear of City but that cushion could shrink to four if Pep Guardiola’s side beat Liverpool in Sunday’s blockbuster clash.

Sunderland strike first

The home crowd erupted in the 36 minute when Daniel Ballard — the Northern Irish centre-back — rose highest to meet Nordi Mukiele delivery guiding his header past David Raya to give Sunderland surprise 1-0 lead.

That goal carried added significance: according to Squawka, it was the first goal Arsenal conceded in 812 minute across all competitions ending their incredible defensive run that stretched back to the 2-0 win over Newcastle in matchweek 6.

Arsenal fight back through Saka & Trossard

Arsenal regrouped after halftime and in the 54 minute Bukayo Saka equalised with crisp left-footed strike after clever assist from Mikel Merino.

Arteta’s side appeared to have completed the turnaround in the 74 minute when Leandro Trossard unleashed thunderbolt from the edge of the box to make it 2-1 — his 3rd goal of the campaign.

Brobbey’s late heroics deny the Gunners

But Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris’s bold triple substitution in the 63 minute introducing Brian Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra — ultimately paid off.

In the 88 minute, Brobbey pounced on loose ball after set-piece scramble to fire past Raya salvaging precious point for the Black Cats. Ballard Sunderland’s hero at both ends capped his standout display by clearing goal-bound effort deep in stoppage time.

Defensive record shattered and Guardiola’s wish fulfilled

Before this game, Arsenal had conceded just three goal in ten league match, their defence hailed as the tightest in Europe. Raya’s net, however was finally breached — ending his personal clean-sheet streak of 449 Premier League minute.

The moment didn’t go unnoticed by Pep Guardiola who jokingly told reporters earlier in the week:

Match Summary – Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal

The draw sees Arsenal extend their unbeaten run but lose 2 vital point in the title race while Sunderland earn morale-boosting result after difficult start to the season.