**SUNDERLAND** (5-2-3):
7 **Roefs**: Might feel he should have got closer to Saka’s near-post shot, but didn’t shy away on Arsenal’s set-pieces
8 **Hume**: Brilliant against Trossard – restricted his forward forays to concentrate on his defending
8 **Mukiele**: Another all-action display from the defender, who repeatedly put his body on the line
9 **BALLARD**: Scored, claimed an assist and made the block of the game as he threw himself in front of Merino’s shot
7 **Geertruida**: Did a good job as part of Sunderland’s five-man backline, winning tackles and headers
7 **Reinildo**: Put in a real shift down the left, even if he had a tough second half against the excellent Saka
8 **Xhaka**: Will have enjoyed this one immensely – managed the game against his former employers
7 **Sadiki**: Had been performing superbly until he decided to stand off Trossard for Arsenal’s second goal
6 **Traore**: Most of his work was defensive, although he tried to give Sunderland an outlet down the right
6 **Isidor**: Led the line effectively for the opening hour and fired a first-half effort just wide of the target
5 **Le Fee**: Produced some nice touches, but hesitated as he was robbed by Rice in the lead-up to Arsenal’s goal
**Subs**:
6 **Adingra** (for Le Fee, 63): Helped get Sunderland moving forward in the closing stages
6 **Talbi** (for Traore, 63): Tried to get himself into the Arsenal penalty area
8 **Brobbey** (for Isidor, 63): Produced a wonderful hooked finish to level the scores
Mayenda (for Geertruida, 87)
(not used): Patterson (gk), Masuaku, O’Nien, Neil, Rigg.
**ARSENAL** (4-2-3-1):
Raya 6; Timber 7, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Califiori 7; Rice 7, **ZUBIMENDI** 8; Saka 8, Eze 7 (Mosquera 87), Trossard 7; Merino 6.
Subs (not used): Arrizabalaga (gk), Lewis-Skelly, White, Hincapie, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Dowman, Harriman-Annous.
**Man Of The Match: DAN BALLARD** – The Sunderland defender is having a brilliant season – and this was his best display so far.