‘Unbelievable’, ‘Wow’ – Don Goodman blown away by Sunderland star who ‘sums up the whole season’ vs Arsenal
Regis Le Bris should be incredibly proud of his players after Sunderland gave everything during a 2-2 draw with league leaders Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is facing pressure to lift silverware with the Gunners this season, having not won a trophy since the 2019-20 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Fans are getting frustrated.
Arsenal had the chance to go nine points clear of Man City on Saturday, 8 November, but a buzzer-beating acrobatic goal from Brian Brobbey hit the Londoners with a dose of reality instead.
Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had completed the turnaround after an early goal from Dan Ballard, a goal which had earned Sunderland praise from Alan Shearer during the half-time break.
The Black Cats’ goalscorer was on hand with another vital moment just before the final whistle, this time throwing himself in front of a shot to consolidate an impressive point against the Gunners.
Dan Ballard at the centre of two season-defining Sunderland moments
Ballard’s block was just as game-defining as his first-half goal, and due to his nature as a centre-half, he probably celebrated more for the defensive moment. It earned him some incredible plaudits.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Main Event (8 November, 7:34pm), Don Goodman said: “This one from Ballard… Wow. Just unbelievable. That just sums up the whole season, not that moment, but Sunderland. Brilliant.”
Granit Xhaka was reunited with his old team at the Stadium of Light, and, unsurprisingly, the Switzerland international was just as vital to the team’s performance as Ballard was.
Regis Le Bris halts Mikel Arteta from creating history with Arsenal
Le Bris appeared to have outclassed his opposite number tactically in the first half, but to the surprise of absolutely nobody, the Gunners were quick to set things straight shortly after the half-time break.
Arteta had the chance to better Arsene Wenger by becoming the first Arsenal manager in 38 years to win five games in a row without conceding. The last to do it was George Graham during the 1987-88 season.
The Sunderland boss is certainly being noticed for his achievements at the Stadium of Light so far, and with the Black Cats sitting third in the Premier League table, it is all very much justified.
And in all honesty, upcoming games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea could also be season-defining for the Gunners.