Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at Stadium of Light on November 08, 2025 in Sunderland, England.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at Stadium of Light on November 08, 2025 in Sunderland, England. | Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta felt his Gunners side were unable to adequately deal with Sunderland’s threats on Saturday night
The Gunners are still in a strong position in the Premier League title race with Liverpool and Manchester City facing off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, meaning one or both of their title rivals will be dropping points.
The Black Cats have been hugely impressive since being promoted and held their own against Arsenal. Dan Ballard opened the scoring for the home side with a thunderous shot and he then provided the assist in the 94th minute for Brian Brobbey’s dramatic equaliser.
Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had struck for the Gunners to put Arsenal in front but they were unable to hold on for all three points in the north east.
Mikel Arteta reflects on Arsenal draw with Sunderland
Speaking after the game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta felt Sunderland played the game in the areas they wanted, making things tough for the Gunners.
"Really tough test, we knew that. The way they set up, credit to them because they made it difficult for you,” he reflected.
"They take the game constantly to the areas that they want. You have to deal with that and very unfortunately, at the end, we conceded a goal.
"The time that was added tells you the story of the game. It's normal, each team tries to do their best and we do the same."
The Spaniard also pinpointed Ballard as he spoke of the ‘chaos’ that Sunderland were able to create by going direct.
He added: “It is two direct balls and we lose the flicks - it is the same action. Credit to the opposition, it is not the first time they've done it.
"They committed a lot of players forward at the end with Ballard and created chaos - in any moment they can score a goal. That is the reason they are where they are."
Arsenal remain in strong position despite minor set-back
Arsenal were never going to win all of their remaining Premier League games. The nature of their draw makes the result feel like two points dropped but the Stadium of Light will prove a incredibly-tough place for both Liverpool and Manchester City to go.
The Gunners’ impressive winning run has put them in a strong position to end their long wait for a Premier League title. By the end of the weekend they will be still be a minimum of four points clear at the top of the table.
They return after the international break with a tough run of fixtures as they host Tottenham and Bayern Munich before travelling to Chelsea. They then start December with a home game against Brentford and then a trip to Aston Villa.
Continue Reading