Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light
Mikel Merino required bandages on his head after being elbowed by Dan Ballard
Mikel Merino required bandages on his head after being elbowed by Dan Ballard
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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his verdict on three contentious incidents from Sunderland's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka both netted for the Gunners, but they were unable to secure all three points as the battling Black Cats gained a deserved point.
Sunderland broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark, with ex-Arsenal academy player Dan Ballard becoming the first opposition player to beat David Raya in over 800 minutes of play. He displayed a striker's coolness to control and hammer home Nordi Mukiele's knockdown from a Robin Roefs free-kick.
Saka restored parity shortly after the interval, following excellent build-up play by Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino, with Rice dispossessing Enzo Le Fee.
With around 35 minutes left to find a winner, it seemed as though Arsenal had done just that when Trossard fired a thunderbolt from the edge of the area.
However, Sunderland preserved their unbeaten home record when late substitute Brian Brobbey equalised deep into stoppage time, capitalising on Arsenal's inability to deal with another high ball into the box.
It was Ballard who claimed the initial aerial duel on this occasion, though there were some claims from Gunners fans that the centre-back was lucky to remain on the field following an early clash with Mikel Merino.
The pair battled for a delivery into the penalty area with Ballard securing the header but catching Merino with his elbow in the process.
The Spanish midfielder needed extensive medical attention, yet both referee Craig Pawson and VAR determined there was neither a foul nor violent conduct.
Mikel Arteta was incensed immediately afterwards, and Gallagher has now shared his verdict on the flashpoint.
Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, he commented: "VAR looked at it. I don't think it's a foul.
"His used his arms for leverage. If anything, Merino comes into him. There's a clash but there's clashes all the time in football. It's strong defending."
Ballard's strike also came amid controversy, with Martin Zubimendi penalised for an infringement that directly resulted in Arsenal's first goal conceded since late September.
"I think he's unlucky to give a free-kick away, even more unlucky to get a yellow card," Gallagher acknowledged. "It's possibly a mis-read by the referee."
The former official saw no issue with Sunderland's leveller however, despite protests about a high boot spearheaded by Gabriel Magalhaes.
"A really, really good goal. He only has eyes on the ball. The [Arsenal] player has ducked in. For me, a good goal," he acknowledged.