Sunderland halt Arsenal’s winning run with last-gasp 2-2 draw

LONDON – Manager Mikel Arteta lamented that “the game was almost there” as English Premier League leaders Arsenal’s long winning run came to an end in a breathless 2-2 draw at Sunderland after a stoppage-time leveller on Nov 8.

It looked as though Leandro Trossard’s 74th-minute thunderbolt had claimed an 11th successive win in all competitions for Arsenal, who trailed at half-time, but substitute Brian Brobbey struck in the 94th minute at an electric Stadium of Light.

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard had put the high-flying hosts in front after 36 minutes, the first time Arsenal’s defence had been breached in nine matches.

But Arteta’s team found another level in the second half to take charge with captain Bukayo Saka firing home an equaliser in the 54th minute, before Belgian forward Trossard cut in to smash an unstoppable shot that gave Robin Roefs no chance.

Sunderland were not finished though and Brobbey showed great athleticism to volley past David Raya from close range.

Arsenal now have 26 points, with London rivals Chelsea in second spot on 20 after they beat bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 in the late game, although third-placed Manchester City can leapfrog the Blues and close the gap to four if they down champions Liverpool at home on Nov 9 in a game that ended after press time.

Promoted Sunderland are fourth with 19 points after a dream start to the season for Regis le Bris’ side.

“The game was almost there,” Arteta said. “But you know this is the Premier League and the manner that they play, they’re going to hang in there when it’s just one-goal difference.

“I’m upset and frustrated because it’s an action that we can defend better, but as well you have to give credit to the opposition to do what they’ve done.”

“Obviously, the feeling is disappointment and frustration because we wanted the three points and we have to navigate through a really tough game,” Arteta added.

No one typified Sunderland’s battling qualities more than former Arsenal academy player Ballard.

He scored the opener, provided the headed assist for Brobbey’s late leveller and then made a sensational goal-saving block from Mikel Merino at the other end in a frantic climax.

“You saw again the fight in the team. The boys worked so hard throughout the whole week. We fight right to the end,” said Ballard, whose winning goal had sent Sunderland to last season’s Championship play-off final.

“The number of late goals we’ve scored – it’s brilliant.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca applauded Estevao Willian for his performance after the winger came off the bench and inspired Chelsea against Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

Right-back Malo Gusto put the hosts ahead with a header in the 51st minute, but the game was still in the balance when the 18-year-old was introduced just after the hour-mark.

Estevao, who has largely been limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League, gave Chelsea a cushion just one minute after coming on, setting up fellow Brazilian Joao Pedro for their second goal. Former Wolves player Pedro Neto netted Chelsea’s third.

“I was very worried before this game. These are the worst games – they’re tricky. Everyone is thinking it’s going to be easy,” Maresca told reporters.

“I can understand first half people were not happy because we didn’t score. Then when Estevao came on, the energy raised because people love that kind of player. You can see his talent.”

Manager-less Wolves’ terrible start to the season has them eight points adrift of the safety zone, and no team have ever stayed up in the England’s top flight with two points after 11 games. They have scored the joint-fewest goals in the division while simultaneously boasting the league’s leakiest defence.

Rob Edwards could be next in line to attempt to turn the team around after second-tier Middlesbrough gave him permission on Nov 8 to speak to the Premier League club about the managerial vacancy. Edwards, 42, previously guided Luton Town to the Premier League. REUTERS