After Arsenal conceded their first goal in 881 minutes, manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, saying he felt a “pain in my tummy.” His team drew 2-2 with Sunderland on Saturday, a result that could reinvigorate the title race. Arsenal had been on a five-match winning streak in the league and a ten-match run overall, thanks to one of the most formidable defences in recent English football history.
Sunderland’s Danny Ballard, a former academy player, opened the scoring in the 36th minute, marking the first goal Arsenal had conceded since September 28—a streak spanning nine games.
“I felt a pain in my tummy,” Arteta remarked. “I don’t want to concede any goals. That goal put us in a tough situation.”
Returning to the Premier League after eight years, Sunderland provided Arsenal with a challenging match. However, second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard appeared to secure a win for Arsenal.
In the dying minutes, Brian Brobbey’s equalizer stunned Arsenal, as he capitalized on a loose ball after a flick-on, leveling the score and maintaining Arsenal’s seven-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who were set to face defending champions Liverpool the next day.
Arteta reflected, “The last feeling is disappointment and frustration because we wanted to secure three points in a very tough game. They challenged us significantly. We allowed a goal that didn’t meet our standards. After that, the team responded well—showing courage and personality, taking the lead with two goals, and largely dominating play.”
“However, when the game got tense, we needed to defend well as they pushed several players forward. Whether from direct play or a throw-in, we must improve our defensive actions. Today, we fell short and allowed that goal.”
After Brobbey’s goal, Arsenal nearly found a late winner, with opportunities for Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino being thwarted by Robin Roefs and Ballard, respectively.
“In the final moments, we had another great chance with Riccy and Mikel to secure a win, which I believe we deserved,” Arteta stated. “It didn’t happen, but it reflects our performance over the last ten games, where we achieved victories, kept clean sheets, and coped with the absence of seven attackers. It highlights the challenge we faced.”
Information from The Associated Press and PA was included in this report.