Sunderland and Arsenal played to an exciting 2-2 draw, with Regis Le Bris viewing the match as a valuable learning experience for his young Sunderland squad. The Black Cats secured a point against the Premier League leaders thanks to Brian Brobbey's late goal, which came from a flicked header by Dan Ballard in the fourth minute of added time.
Ballard, an Arsenal academy product, had earlier put Sunderland ahead with a powerful strike. However, Arsenal responded after halftime with goals from Bukayo Saka and a stunning effort from Leandro Trossard. Brobbey's late equalizer ensured Sunderland remained in the top four after 11 games.
Le Bris acknowledged the difficulty his team faced against a top European side like Arsenal, emphasizing the need for a "masterclass" to win. He felt the first half was balanced, with Sunderland attempting to defend high when possible and organizing a compact defensive block. Sunderland even managed to trouble Arsenal at times during the first half.
The second half proved more challenging as Sunderland were forced to defend for extended periods. Le Bris highlighted the youth and inexperience of his squad in the Premier League, making the game a significant learning opportunity. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Le Bris said that the players showed belief that they could change the dynamic of the game, and that their fans helped a lot. He added that the team has faith that anything is possible until the final whistle.
Le Bris noted the pressure, intensity, and quality that Arsenal brought to the game, particularly in the second half. He said that the team tried to find the details to win the game, and that set pieces were important and balanced. He also praised Brobbey's work ethic and contribution after coming on as a substitute, noting that he and other players coming off the bench are valuable options for the squad.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, expressed his disappointment and frustration at conceding a late goal. He admitted that Ballard's opener, which ended Arsenal's run of eight consecutive clean sheets, caused him "a pain". Arteta believed that Sunderland dictated the game's flow, particularly in stoppage time. Despite Arsenal's late pressure, Sunderland managed to hold on for the draw, with Ballard's late intervention preventing a near-certain winner.
Sunderland have a league-high of five 90th-minute goals this season, with three of those goals changing the outcome of the match. Le Bris wants to improve the team and analyze their performance and sees the game as a good opportunity to do so. He said that their fans deserve to look to the future with positive vibes. The draw ended Arsenal's 10-game winning streak across all competitions.
