Arsenal were pegged back late on in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, with Brian Brobbey scoring an injury-time equaliser and here is how the Gunners players rated
Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland came after a late blow that cost them points for the first time since their draw with Manchester City. The Gunners fell behind after a contentious decision resulted in Martin Zubimendi receiving a booking.
The north London side failed to defend the ensuing free-kick effectively, allowing Dan Ballard to fire a shot past David Raya. Just after half-time, Arsenal equalised when Bukayo Saka found a tiny gap at the near post with his weaker foot.
Leandro Trossard then put the Gunners ahead, blasting a shot into the net from outside the box. Despite making several impressive saves, Raya was defeated by Brian Brobbey in extra time, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
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Here’s how the players were rated…
David Raya – Couldn’t be held too accountable for the first goal; Ballard’s strike was unstoppable. Despite Brobbey being offside, the Spanish goalkeeper certainly couldn’t have known and made an excellent triple save.
He prevented Brobbey from tapping in after a long ball into the box but was unable to outwit the forward in the final moments. 7.
Jurrien Timber – Showed technical brilliance throughout the match and seems to have found a new way to progress in recent weeks. He linked play down the right superbly, especially when relieving pressure after Sunderland attacks. 7.
William Saliba – Had a golden opportunity to level the score for the Gunners, but unfortunately volleyed over from Saka’s knocked-down header. Defensively, the Frenchman was solid, winning plenty of duels throughout the game. 7.
Gabriel – Had to remain strong as pressure mounted toward the end, but the Brazilian, ever composed, completed the task at hand. However, he was outmuscled by Brobbey who scored past him. 6.
Riccardo Calafiori – Was somewhat erratic in the first half, but not in the usual way, which was impressive. As the game progressed, he grew into it and linked much better with Trossard. 6.
Martin Zubimendi – Conceded the free-kick that led to Sunderland’s goal, although it was hardly his fault as he was penalised for a fair challenge. Had a good chance in the box, but hit it straight at the keeper with his weaker foot.
He struck the bar with a fantastic volley, which would have been a brilliant highlight in another stellar performance. He also managed to bag a cheeky assist, setting up Trossard before the Belgian’s stunning strike. 8.
Declan Rice – Took long throws from the right but lacked distance. Tested the Sunderland keeper with a free-kick but failed to truly challenge him with a curling effort from long range.
He was found wanting for the Sunderland goal, losing out in the physical tussles that led to the shot. However, he redeemed himself by winning the ball which eventually found its way to Saka for the equaliser. 7.
Eberechi Eze – He had a decent chance following a blunder from Enzo Le Fee, but his shot sailed high and wide past the top left corner. Another attempt in the box was volleyed straight at Robin Roefs. 6.
Bukayo Saka – His volleyed effort was easily saved by Roefs. A golden opportunity presented itself at the start of the second half, but it was dragged wide by the England international.
He made amends for his miss shortly after with a superb strike, low with his weaker right foot to level the score for the Gunners. 8.
Mikel Merino – He was starved of service in the first half, but in the second, it was his pass that found Bukayo Saka on the right for the equaliser. He nearly clinched it at the end with a tap-in, if not for Ballard’s tackle which blocked the shot. 6.
Leandro Trossard – The Belgian’s exceptional passing in the second half helped Arsenal claw their way back into the match. He took control of the game to put Arsenal ahead with a stunning strike, hit hard past Roefs from distance, and will be livid it wasn’t the winner. 8.
Substitutes:
Cristhian Mosquera – Came on for Eberechi Eze, altering the shape of the Arsenal defence. Assisted in securing the victory. 6.
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