Are you superstitious? Black cats crossed Arsenal’s path in a madhouse of a match

Hardly anyone would have expected Sunderland to even be in a position to take points from one of England’s strongest teams. Today, they managed it — after a phenomenal match, a last-minute goal allowed the black cats to secure a point against top-of-the-table Arsenal.

The first half of the match between Sunderland and Arsenal was intense and physical from the very beginning. Early on, a clash inside Sunderland’s box saw Mikel Merino receive a blow to the head, causing a lengthy pause, though he was able to continue afterward.

Arsenal registered the first attempt on goal in the 16th minute when Declan Rice struck a direct free-kick from around 25 meters, but Sunderland’s goalkeeper was well-positioned to make the save. Sunderland’s first real chance came in the 28th minute, when Isidor received a high ball and fired from a tight angle, but his effort went just wide of David Raya’s goal.

Another stoppage followed after Timber also suffered a head injury, reflecting how physical the opening period had been.

In the 35th minute, Bukayo Saka made a penetrating run through Sunderland’s box, but his shot lacked power and was comfortably dealt with by the home defense.

Just a minute later, Sunderland took a shock lead. Ballard, a product of Arsenal’s own academy, received a pass from Mukiele through the heart of Arsenal’s defense and struck the ball under the crossbar to make it 1–0. The goal is HERE!

Arsenal nearly responded late in the half; in the 45+3rd minute, Saka headed the ball down to Saliba, who volleyed high over Sunderland’s goal. Sunderland came close to extending their lead in the 9th minute of stoppage time when Mukiele picked up a ball on the edge of Arsenal’s box and fired a powerful shot, but it went just wide of Raya’s goal.

First attempt in the second half came in the 50th minute when Martin Zubimendi fired after a team move, but his shot lacked power and accuracy, allowing Sunderland’s goalkeeper Roefs to collect it comfortably. Two minutes later, Bukayo Saka had a promising chance after receiving the ball in the box, finding space for a shot, but it went just wide.

Arsenal finally leveled in the 54th minute. A big mistake by Le Fee allowed Declan Rice to win possession, and the trio of Rice, Eze, and Merino combined beautifully to set up Saka, who struck from the right and beat Roefs to make it 1–1. The goal is HERE!

In the 58th minute, Zubimendi was found by a brilliant pass from Leandro Trossard, but his shot again went wide. Shortly after, Eze controlled a ball on his chest and volleyed toward goal, but Roefs saved comfortably.

Arsenal came agonizingly close in the 65th minute when Zubimendi’s strike from the edge of the box hit the crossbar, giving Sunderland a slice of luck.

The breakthrough came in the 74th minute, courtesy of Leandro Trossard. The Belgian hit a powerful shot from the edge of the area that flew into the top corner with perfect precision, giving Arsenal a 2–1 lead. The goal is HERE!

In the 85th minute, Sunderland threatened again when Reinildo made a late run and laid the ball off to Brobbey, but Raya reacted brilliantly to make another crucial save.

If there were a rule in football against defending for too long, we got the confirmation in the 94th minute. Sunderland were attacking with everything they had, and in all the chaos, the ball reached Brobbey, who reacted brilliantly and slotted it past Raya for a 2–2 draw at the Stadium of Light. The goal is HERE!

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 11

Saturday

Tottenham - Manchester United 0-1 (0-1)

/Mbeumo 32/

Everton - Fulham 2-0 (1-0)

/Gueye 45+4, Keane 81/

West Ham - Burnley 3-2 (1-1)

/Wilson 44, Soucek 77, Walker-Peters 87 - Flemming 35, Cullen 90+7/

Sunderland - Arsenal 2-2 (1-0)

/Ballard 36, Brobbey 90+4 - Saka 54, Trossard 74/

23.00: (1.38) Chelsea (5.20) Wolverhampton (8.00)

Sunday

17.00: (2.20) Aston Villa (3.55) Bournemouth (3.40)

17.00: (2.95) Brentford (3.45) Newcastle (2.50)

17.00: (2.35) Crystal Palace (3.50) Brighton (3.15)

17.00: (2.25) Nott.Forest (3.35) Leeds (3.50)

19.30: (1.95) Man.City (4.00) Liverpool (3.80)

*** odds are subject to change***