Arsenal’s nine-game winless streak came to an end in a game in which they dropped a point for the first time since their draw with Manchester City. The Gunners suffered a setback after Daniel Ballard beat David Raya in a controversial decision. Arsenal equalized just after half-time when Bukayo Saka hit a narrow gap at the near post with his weak foot. Then Leandro Trossard put the Gunners ahead with a spectacular shot from outside the box.
Raya made some great saves, but after beating Gabriel Magalhães in extra time, he was defeated by a deft tap from Brian Brobbey, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Express Sport rates and predicts the Gunners…
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings
David Raya – 7
You can’t put all the blame on him for the first goal — Ballard’s offense was unstoppable. Brobbey was offside, but the Spanish goalkeeper didn’t know it and made a superb triple save. He denied Blobby’s tap-in as he sent a long ball into the box, but could not get past the forward in the final moments.
Julian Timber – 7
He showed great technical ability throughout the match and seems to have found new ways to progress in recent weeks. He linked his play well down the right flank, particularly when relieving pressure after Sunderland’s attacks.
William Saliba – 7
They had a great chance to equalize for the Gunners, but unfortunately their header, which was knocked down by Saka, was missed with a volley. The Frenchman was also solid defensively, winning numerous duels throughout the match.
Gabriel – 6
He had to hold on as the pressure mounted towards the end, but the composed Brazilian appeared to have completed his task successfully. However, he then scored the equalizing goal in a loss to Blobby. A rare moment that will be forgotten.
Riccardo Calafioli – 6
The first half was a little shaky, but it was impressive that it wasn’t the same as usual. As the game progressed, he grew into it and his coordination with Trossard became even better.
Martin Zvimendi – 8
It wasn’t entirely his fault, as he conceded the free-kick that led to Sunderland’s goal, but was penalized for a fair challenge. He had a chance inside the box, but his weak-footed shot hit the keeper. He hit the bar with a great volley, another shining highlight of an outstanding performance. He also recorded an assist, setting up Trossard in front of the Belgian’s excellent attack.
Declan Rice – 7
He hit a long throw from the right, but the distance was insufficient. He tested the Sunderland keeper with a free-kick but was unable to seriously challenge him curling from long range. It turned out that he was unable to aim at Sunderland’s goal and lost the physical struggle that led to the shot. However, he eventually recovered by stealing the ball before it reached Saka and scoring the equalizer.
Eberechi Eze – 6
They had a great chance after a mistake from Enzo Le Fe, but the shot went wide into the top left corner. Another shot inside the box was a straight volley shot by Robin Rufus.
Bukayozaka – 8
His volley was easily saved by Rufus. A golden chance came at the start of the second half, but England pushed it wide. Moments later he made up for his mistake by leveling the score for the Gunners with a fine strike low with his weak right foot.
Mikel Merino – 6
In the first half, he lacked service, but in the second half, his pass allowed Bukayo Saka on the right wing to score the equalizer. Even if Ballard’s tackle didn’t block the shot, the tap-in came close at the end.
Leandro Trossard – 8
The Belgian’s excellent passing in the second half allowed Arsenal to get back into the game. He took control of the game and put Arsenal ahead with a stunning shot, smashing Rufus from distance, but he will be furious that he wasn’t the winner.
substitute
Cristian Mosquera – 6
He came on as a substitute for Eberechi Eze and changed the shape of Arsenal’s defense, but was unable to secure victory.
