Late Equalizer Ends Arsenal’s Winning Run
It’s half a joke, half the truth — Arsenal fans are once again debating Mikel Arteta’s conservative approach. The Premier League leaders were held 2–2 by Sunderland, ending their 10-game winning streak across all competitions and their run of eight consecutive clean sheets.
The heartbreak came deep in stoppage time, as Sunderland scored a dramatic equalizer in the 93rd minute. Arteta, who used only one substitution — bringing on defender Mosquera for attacking midfielder Eze in the 88th minute — is under fire for “playing it too safe.”
Still, this setback might not be all bad. Sometimes, a small reminder that “you’re not invincible” can help a dominant team stay grounded and focused.
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Sunderland’s Spirit Deserves Full Credit
Before criticizing Arsenal, it’s worth acknowledging how impressive Sunderland truly were. The Black Cats showed both courage and precision. Despite having just 35% possession, they made every attack count — fearless in pressing and clinical in crucial moments.
Sunderland have now scored five stoppage-time goals this season, the most in the Premier League, snatching points from West Ham, Brentford, Wolves, Chelsea — and now Arsenal. Their energy and refusal to give up reflect a team punching far above expectations.
As one 12BET Malaysia analyst put it: “This is a team that wins respect, not just points.”
A Tactical Masterclass in Details
Sunderland’s success wasn’t luck — it was planning. They studied Arsenal’s famous set-piece routines in depth.
Manager Le Bris admitted after the match, “We tried to win through details.”
For instance, tall striker Isidore was assigned to mark the shorter Trossard on corners, cutting off Arsenal’s key “second-ball” tactic. Even more impressively, the Stadium of Light staff moved advertising boards closer to the sidelines by two meters — limiting Arsenal’s dangerous long throws.
Those micro adjustments made a macro difference. Sunderland allowed 17 shots but conceded only two corners, a testament to disciplined defending and clever preparation.
Former Gunner Shines Bright Against His Old Club
It was poetic justice that Sunderland’s first goal came from Dan Ballard, a product of Arsenal’s own academy. The Northern Irish center-back blasted home a fierce opener and celebrated by flexing his arms — the defining image of the night.
Later, Ballard’s crucial block denied Arsenal a last-minute winner, showing the defensive grit that has defined Sunderland’s rise. From start to finish, the Black Cats matched the league leaders blow for blow.
A Cooling Moment Might Be a Blessing
While Arsenal’s fans may be frustrated, a little cooling down could help in the long run.
This was their third straight away game, following a midweek Champions League trip to Prague. Fatigue was visible, yet the team still dominated in possession and scored two excellent goals — Saka’s equalizer and Trossard’s long-range strike were top class.
As former Gunner Theo Walcott said after the match:
“Arsenal have resilience now. They’ll bounce back their way. Until the final minutes, they were in control.”
That’s encouragement, not criticism — and on 12BET Malaysia, fans echoed similar optimism.
Injuries, Depth, and What Comes Next
Arteta’s biggest challenge isn’t tactics but resources. Key attackers like Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Ødegaard remain sidelined, leaving few rotation options. His bench was filled with defenders and teenagers too raw for this intensity.
Still, better days are coming. After the international break, Arsenal are expected to welcome back several key players, just in time for a crucial run — Spurs at home, Bayern in the Champions League, and Chelsea away.
Even Bayern’s unbeaten streak ended this week, reminding everyone that no team stays perfect forever. As one 12BET Malaysia Football writer put it: “Sometimes losing perfection brings peace of mind.”
Focus, Recover, and Move Forward
The draw at Sunderland may sting, but it offers perspective. Arsenal remain strong contenders, with room to grow and improve. If Arteta’s men take the lesson to heart, they’ll come back sharper — and hungrier.
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