Premier League leader Arsenal’s long winning run came to an end in a breathless 2-2 draw at Sunderland, with Brian Brobbey securing a deserved point for the host with a stoppage-time leveller on Saturday.

It looked as though Leandro Trossard’s 74th-minute thunderbolt had claimed an 11th successive win in all competitions for Arsenal, which trailed at halftime.

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

But Mikel 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 Trossard cut in to smash an unstoppable shot past Robin Roefs.

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

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Arsenal now has 26 points as it extended its lead to seven points over second-placed Manchester City, which could close the gap at home to champion Liverpool on Sunday.

Promoted Sunderland is third with 19 points after a dream start to the season for Regis Le Bris’s side.

While Arsenal will look at the way it controlled the second half, it was hard to deny that Sunderland deserved to become the first team to take Premier League points off Arteta’s team since Manchester City in September.

It was matched by Sunderland in the first half, and Ballard showed great strength to hold off Declan Rice before driving a shot past Raya to send the home fans wild.

Arsenal dominated after the break, though and soon after Saka had dragged a shot wide, he was played in by Mikel Merino to score after Rice had turned over possession.

Trossard’s goal was worthy of winning any game, but it was not to be this time for Arsenal as its hopes of opening up a nine-point lead were scuppered by Brobbey’s late show.

Published on Nov 09, 2025