Sunderland were eventually beaten 3-0 by Arsenal on Saturday afternoon
The former Newcastle United striker analysed the game for Match of the Day and said he was impressed with the Black Cats, who were 'always' in the contest. Shearer praised a brilliant strike from Martin Zubimendi which broke the deadlock shortly before half time, and the contribution from Arsenal's substitutes in the second half.
While it was in the end another disappointing result on the road in the Premier League for Sunderland, Shearer felt the Black Cats gave a good account of themselves.
"Arsenal were very professional without being brilliant, and also using their squad strength," Shearer said.
"They did really well in terms of the subs they brought on, they had a couple of players injured but I thought Sunderland did really well and caused some problems for Arsenal. They frustrated them at times, they should have had it in the back of the net [with Brobbey's early chance]. They got men behind the ball and at times they frustrated Arsenal, I thought they did that really well. They made it very difficult for them.
"It took a summer signing who cost £60 million, a moment of brilliance... Sunderland had that many men behind the ball, that's what it was going to take. Just something to unlock that defence and it was, it was a brilliant strike from Zubimendi. And then all of a sudden... they bring on Gyokeres, Martinelli - Sunderland were always in this game, always in it and made it difficult for them, but a clearance doesn't work and Gyokeres gets his goal. Then another substitute plays a huge part in the [third] goal in Martinelli, it's a game Arsenal had to win. There was nothing spectacular about them but they were very, very professional."
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What Régis Le Bris said about Arsenal defeat
Giving his view on the game, head coach Régis Le Bris said: “The scoreline might be the same but it wasn't the same game.
“We showed character and personality with and without the ball. It was the game we expected. We knew Arsenal were really well rounded and have the ability to be impactful from set-pieces and especially after the counter press. We lost two balls and conceded two goals.
“It doesn't mean our game wasn't good. Especially at the beginning of the second half we had a couple of opportunities to be back in the game. We didn't seize those opportunities and against an opponent like Arsenal if you don't seize those few opportunities, the game is gone.
“In this league you have to show resilience. We have another game at home in three days. It's another exciting challenge and we have to try to be at our best.”
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