The Stadium of Light in Sunderland played host to table toppers Arsenal last evening as Match Day 11 of the English Premier League got underway this weekend.
Arsenal, in sublime form with 10 consecutive wins in all competitions, have looked ominous with Mikel Arteta at the helm, and without doubt playing the best football in England this season. Sunderland, returning to the Premier League after 8 years, have been a revelation under French Manager Régis Le Bris, and have impressed all and sundry.
A tight contest was expected between the Black Cats ( Sunderland) and Gunners ( Arsenal) and though Arsenal were the overwhelming favourites to win 3 points, Sunderland were not going to be easy prey. A thrilling contest, thus ensued as the Cats clawed into the Gunners.
Daniel Ballard of Sunderland broke the stalemate in the 36th minute as he whipped one past David Raya in a fine move from the right. The centre-back delivered with a fine finish to send the Saturday crowd into a vociferous roar as Sunderland led Arsenal into the second half.
Arsenal, however, have been playing some great football, and applied relentless pressure on Sunderland for the equaliser and eventually got one through captain Bukayo Saka in the 54th minute. Trossard then gave Arsenal the lead with a terrific shot from outside the box. The strike was nothing short of a screamer and gave no chance to Robin Roefs in the Sunderland goal. The stunner stunned the Sunderland fans no end.
The match was slipping away from Sunderland, and though they made several good moves, David Raya was exceptional in goal for Arsenal and saved at least two clear chances. But the Black Cats were not giving up either and eventually it took a sensational piece of finish from substitute, Dutchman Brian Brobbey in the 4th minute of stoppage time. It was an acrobatic ripper from Brobbey for which Raya had no answer. The effort virtually brought down the stadium as fans jumped in jubilation.
The cats clawed Arsenal at the end. The Gunners did make a final blitz and almost scored, but Robin Roefs brought out an incredible save to deny Arsenal their 11th consecutive win.
It was a terrific show from Sunderland. Their sheer grit and belief in themselves denied the Gunners. The draw has put the Cats in 4th position on the EPL leaderboard, while Arsenal remain perched at the top.
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