Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal: WOW! What a point! James Copley and Phil Smith react at the Stadium of Light
Robin Roefs lifted the lid on Sunderland’s thrilling finish against Arsenal, revealing his belief in a late equaliser and hailing Brobbey’s decisive influence
Robin Roefs said Sunderland “absolutely deserved” their point against Arsenal as the 22-year-old goalkeeper reflected on a dramatic and emotionally charged 2–2 draw at the Stadium of Light.
The Dutch stopper produced another composed performance in front of a packed home crowd as Sunderland extended their unbeaten Premier League home run and went toe-to-toe with the league leaders. Speaking after the match, Roefs admitted the intensity of the occasion made it one of the standout nights of his young career. “What a game,” he said. “Yeah, it was nice. I think we absolutely deserved the point, so it's nice.”
Roefs insisted he always believed Sunderland could find a way back into the contest, even as Arsenal pushed hard to see out the result. The Black Cats had already built a reputation for late drama this season – and the goalkeeper felt another twist was coming. “Yeah, I think I did, because we were really pushing, we were dangerous in the attack,” he said. “I think they felt our pressure, so I absolutely believed in it until the end.”
For Roefs, it was Sunderland’s defensive aggression and organisation that allowed them to stay competitive against one of the best sides in Europe. Their ability to defend deep, press high and limit Arsenal’s chances impressed him as much as the comeback itself. “Yeah, well, I think we did a good job,” he said. “We were really aggressive. Also in the low block, we were aggressive. We made it difficult for them. I think we did a great job.”
Brian Brobbey’s 94th-minute equaliser was another standout moment of Sunderland’s season, and Roefs said the striker’s quality had been obvious from their time together in Dutch football. “No, I think he's like, also in Holland he showed it for the national team, he showed it,” Roefs said. “Also, he's showing his qualities. He's so strong with and without the ball as well. He keeps two or three defenders busy, so he's a good player.” He added that he couldn’t even see the finish clearly – only the ball hitting the net and the eruption inside the ground. “I couldn't really see how he scored it, but I saw it in the back of the net, and then I said it.”
Asked whether this was one of the best games he has played in, Roefs pointed to the atmosphere and defensive discipline rather than the technical level of the match. “Well, I think it wasn't maybe the highest quality playing-wise, with the ball,” he said. “But I think the first half, second half as well, but the first half, especially when we came in the low block, we did so well, we didn't give away any chances. I think it's one of the best games, also with the atmosphere, it was really, really nice.”
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And mentally, he said, facing Arsenal as a goalkeeper required absolute concentration from the first whistle to the last. “Well, you just know it might be a busy afternoon or night, so you're prepared, as always, for everything,” he said. “I think we didn't have anything to lose going into this game, so we just believe in our qualities, and especially at home, we believe we can beat everyone.”
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