Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal: WOW! What a point! James Copley and Phil Smith react at the Stadium of Light
Alan Shearer delivered a glowing verdict on Dan Ballard after the Sunderland man shone against Arsenal
Alan Shearer delivered an emphatic verdict on Dan Ballard’s performance during Sunderland’s 2–2 draw with Arsenal – describing the defender as the embodiment of everything Régis Le Bris’ side have done well this season.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said Ballard “epitomised” Sunderland’s identity, intensity and resilience at the Stadium of Light. The former Newcastle United striker praised the centre-back’s aggression, leadership and quality on the ball, highlighting how crucial he was both defensively and in attack as Sunderland stood firm against the league leaders.
The Northern Ireland international, who started his career with Arsenal’s academy, scored Sunderland’s opener before assisting Brian Brobbey’s late equaliser. Ballard then produced an outstanding block to deny Mikel Arteta’s side an even later winner.
“Well, particularly Dan Ballard, I think he epitomised everything that Sunderland have done so well, particularly at home this season with his aggression, with him and his teammates stopping Arsenal playing, particularly in that first half,” Shearer said. “And they are really, really tough to play against. And there were so many examples of that today with him and other players putting their body on the line, for their team and for the atmosphere.”
Shearer pointed to several key moments where Ballard showcased his defensive intelligence and physicality, praising his timing, positioning and authority in tight spaces. “And I said, he sort of summed everything up. We're going to talk about this after, but look how difficult it is to get through, how many players they've got behind the ball. And then I think that's really good defending.”
The MOTD pundit also highlighted Ballard’s considerable impact in the final third, with the defender scoring one goal and assisting another for substitute Brobbey. “As I said, we'll talk more in a minute about that. But that is really, really tough, aggressive defending. Then he more than plays his part with this. I mean, he makes it difficult to clear, but have a look at the touch and the finish. Goodness me, any forward would be proud of that finish.”
Ballard then turned provider as Sunderland mounted late pressure. “Then when they're piling the pressure on, he makes it really difficult there, the flick on, in for Brian Broppy, who then finishes off with a great finish. But it starts with him being aggressive in the box and not letting the Arsenal players defend the way they want to. And then they get the reward.”
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Shearer also praised Ballard’s last-ditch defending as Arsenal forced late chances at the other end. “And then Arsenal come back at them, straight down the other end. And I said, putting your body on the line for your team, that's exactly what I mean. And that's why it means so much to him as the defender, to stop him there. And you can see the reaction from all the fans from behind the goal.”
The Premier League legend said Arsenal “will not have many tougher games than that this season” and reserved special praise for Ballard’s composure and maturity against his former club. He added: “Arsenal will not have many tougher games than that this season, I promise you. And you can see, he started his career at the Arsenal Academy. What a performance, him and Sunderland put in today. I thought they totally deserved the point.”
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