Arsenal saw victory slip through their fingers in heartbreaking fashion, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2–2 draw away to Sunderland. Despite a spirited comeback and moments of brilliance from Mikel Arteta’s men, the Premier League leaders were stunned at the death by Brian Brobbey’s late strike.

The hosts took a first-half lead through Dan Ballard — a product of Arsenal’s own academy — who outmuscled Declan Rice and powered home a close-range finish past David Raya in the 36th minute. The goal gave Sunderland a shock advantage and injected energy into the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal came out rejuvenated after the break. On 53 minutes, Bukayo Saka levelled the score following a sharp interception from Rice and a clever assist by Mikel Merino. The momentum continued to swing the visitors’ way, and in the 74th minute, Leandro Trossard produced a moment of pure magic — cutting inside from the edge of the box before curling a sensational shot into the top corner.

It looked as though the Gunners were set to extend their winning streak, but deep into stoppage time, Brian Brobbey pounced on a defensive lapse and smashed home the equaliser, breaking Arsenal’s run of eight consecutive clean sheets and denying them two crucial points in the title race.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Sunderland - Arsenal 2:2 (1:0)
Goals: Ballard, 36 (1:0); Saka B., 54 (1:1); Trossard, 74 (1:2); Brobbey, 94 (2:2)

Sunderland: Roefs; Ballard; Geertruida (Mayenda, 87); Reinildo; Mukiele; Hume; Sadiki; Le Fée (Adingra, 64); Xhaka; Traore B. (Talbi, 64); Isidor W. (Brobbey, 63)
Substitution: Brobbey (from 63); Talbi (from 64); Adingra (from 64); Mayenda (from 87)
Bench: Patterson A.; Masuaku; O'Nien; Neil; Rigg
Yellow Cards: Xhaka 45; Reinildo 72

Arsenal: Raya; Saliba; Gabriel M.; Timber J.; Calafiori; Zubimendi; Saka B.; Eze (Mosquera Cr., 88); Merino; Rice; Trossard
Substitution: Mosquera Cr. (from 88)
Bench: Arrizabalaga; White B.; Hincapie; Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard; Nwaneri; Dowman M.; Annous
Yellow Cards: Zubimendi 36