- Dim gunner’s title hope
Arsenal’s title hopes suffered a setback on Saturday evening as newly promoted Sunderland produced a stunning late equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Stadium of Light.
The Gunners looked set for victory after goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard overturned Daniel Ballard’s early strike, but Brian Brobbey’s 94th-minute effort confirmed after a tense VAR check rescued a point for the home side.
Sunderland started brightly and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Ballard found space in the box and fired past David Raya to put the hosts ahead.
Arsenal responded before halftime with a spell of dominance, and Saka levelled things in the 54th minute after combining neatly with Mikel Merino.
Leandro Trossard then appeared to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta’s men with a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box in the 74th minute that left goalkeeper Robin Roefs rooted to the spot.
But the drama wasn’t over. Deep into stoppage time, Sunderland substitute Brian Brobbey smashed home a cross from close range to make it 2-2. After a brief VAR delay for a possible infringement, referee Craig Pawson allowed the goal to stand, sparking wild celebrations from the home supporters.
Arsenal piled on late pressure, forcing a brilliant save from Roefs to deny Riccardo Calafiori in the dying seconds, but Sunderland held firm to claim a deserved draw.