Gooner’s Verdict: Sunderland 2 - Arsenal 2

Arsenal dropped two points in the 94th minute of extra time to draw with Sunderland on the road. I have to start with that context because that's exactly how I see the result: a point dropped instead of a point gained. It's not a disastrous result by any means, but still a game that we should have won in the end, after coming back from 1-0 down. However, the Arsenal defense, which I include Raya and Declan Rice as part of, and has been phenomenal all season, but was a step slow on both of Sunderland's goals. Rice didn't track Ballard for Sunderland's first goal, allowing him essentially an unstopped point-blank shot on goal, which Raya had no chance at saving. Then, Gabriel, who is usually stronger in his duels but may have been on tired legs by that point (I'm being kind), was out-muscled by Brobbey for an incredible acrobatic second goal. Still, I put most of the blame for the goal on Raya. He comes out of the goal unnecessarily, in my opinion, to catch the ball with both hands, and it's a decision that, if made, he has to get there. He doesn't, which allows Brobbey to hit the ball over his head and score essentially. He would have had the opportunity to stop the goal if he had stayed on his line because Brobbey wouldn't have had the chance to lob him, regardless of the acrobatics.

Sunderland were determined and hard throughout the game, and it's a lesson for Arsenal to learn from: they should expect to face the other teams' best game or something close to it throughout the season. I was not surprised by how Sunderland played. Leading up to the match, I had a feeling for a few days that it would not be as straightforward as some may have expected. It was a combination of how well Sunderland have played this season, especially at home, where they are still unbeaten, but also I thought that our seven injuries, and therefore lack of firepower off the bench, would come to bite us if we needed to bring on more firepower in a close game. Our only three attacking options off the bench were all teenagers in Nwaneri (18), Dowman (15), and Harriman-Annous (17), none of whom Arteta trusted enough in the circumstances to sub on. It's not an excuse for not seeing out the win, but it felt as if the squad that has coped with the injuries so well to this point was going to be stretched; it was going to be this game. I recall watching the Arsenal players sprint around and defend against a few of Sunderland's late attempts in the 88th minute, and it was clear they were exhausted. Even someone like Declan Rice, known for his incredible stamina, looked more tired than I had seen him in a long time. You have to commend them for their collective efforts this season, as they have got off to an excellent start in all competitions, going into the international break over the next two weeks, when they can expect several key players to return from injury.

Regarding the injuries, I remain optimistic that the reports will be accurate and that Arsenal are likely to have Gyokeres, Martinelli, Odegaard, Madueke, and Havertz back ahead of the North London Derby on November 23rd. That would be a huge boost to the squad in both quality and excitement ahead of a game that everyone will have circled on their calendar. Until then, we will have to wait and see how things progress over the coming days, but the International break comes at a great time for Arsenal, who are still 4 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, still have conceded the least amount of goals in the league, still is undefeated and has conceded the least amount of goals (zero) in the Champions League, and are still in all competitions.

With all that in mind, this is not a result to dwell on or worth doing a deep dive into. Arsenal remain in an excellent position to achieve all of our goals this season, and may have five more players available by the time they play their next match.