Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, 08 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Well, what a thrilling encounter at the Stadium of Light! Sunderland managed to hold Arsenal to a 2-2 draw, a result that might surprise some, given Arsenal’s recent form. The Black Cats have been on a decent run, with this draw following a 1-1 against Everton and wins over Chelsea and Wolves.

Arsenal, on the other hand, were coming off victories against Burnley and Crystal Palace, so they’ll be disappointed not to have taken all three points here. Daniel Ballard’s early goal set the tone, but it was Brian Brobbey’s last-gasp equaliser that stole the headlines, showing Sunderland’s resilience and perhaps Arsenal’s vulnerability.

The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and lapses in concentration. Arsenal established a lead through goals from Saka and Trossard, but Sunderland’s fighting spirit shone through. Granit Xhaka’s yellow card just before half-time added some spice, and the flurry of substitutions in the second half kept the momentum swinging. This result keeps Sunderland’s unbeaten run alive at home, while Arsenal will need to regroup quickly if they want to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Looking at the stats, Arsenal dominated possession with 65% compared to Sunderland’s 35%, which is no surprise given their style of play. However, the corner count was even at two each, suggesting that both teams had their moments in the final third.

Arsenal’s higher successful dribble percentage (47% vs Sunderland’s 29%) indicates they were more effective in breaking down the opposition. Despite this, Sunderland’s four substitutions to Arsenal’s one show they were more proactive in trying to change the game’s flow, which ultimately paid off with Brobbey’s late equaliser.

The key moments in this match revolved around the goals and the drama they generated. Daniel Ballard opened the scoring for Sunderland in the 36th minute, assisted by Nordi Mukiele, giving the home side a deserved lead. Arsenal responded in the second half with Bukayo Saka’s goal in the 54th minute, followed by Leandro Trossard’s strike in the 74th, both showcasing Arsenal’s clinical finishing. But just when it looked like Arsenal would take the points, Brian Brobbey popped up in the 90th minute to level the score, a moment that will be replayed and celebrated by Sunderland fans for a long time.

Sunderland lined up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Robin Roefs in goal and a back five that included Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel George Ballard, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Reinildo Mandava. This solid defensive setup helped them withstand Arsenal’s pressure, while the midfield quartet of Bertrand Traoré, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, and Enzo Le Fée provided the necessary support and creativity. Wilson Isidor led the line, and his late substitution for Brian Brobbey proved crucial in securing the draw.

Arsenal opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with David Raya between the sticks and a back four of Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori. The midfield was anchored by Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice, with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Leandro Trossard providing the attacking threat behind Mikel Merino. Despite their dominance in possession, Arsenal’s inability to hold onto the lead suggests they might need to tweak their approach in future games.

Brian Brobbey earns the Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match for his crucial equaliser in the 90th minute. Coming off the bench, he made an immediate impact, showing composure and finishing ability to salvage a point for Sunderland. His goal not only secured a valuable draw but also highlighted his importance to the team, especially in high-pressure situations.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Arsenal (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Everton (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Chelsea (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Manchester United (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Sunderland (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Burnley (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Crystal Palace (H)

Currently in 4th place with 19 points, they will face Fulham, who are in 15th place with 11 points, on November 22, 2025 at 15:00.

Sitting at the top of the league with 26 points, their next challenge is against Tottenham Hotspur, who are in 5th place with 18 points, on November 23, 2025 at 16:30.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.