Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland as 5/10 star not up to task in dying moments of draw

Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland in the Premier League, with Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka both on the scoresheet for the Gunners but their defence for once not up to scratch

Arsenal thought they had responded in the perfect way after going a goal down against Sunderland with two second half strikes – but a late sucker punch saw them drop two points.

The Gunners went behind after Daniel Ballard smashed a shot past David Raya in the first half, only for Mikel Arteta’s men to draw level just after the half-time whistle as Bukayo Saka found the smallest of gaps at the near-post with his weak foot after Declan Rice won the ball in Sunderland’s half.

Leandro Trossard then gave the Gunners the lead, leathering a shot into the roof of the net from outside the box. But despite making some good saves, David Raya was beaten by Brian Brobbey in added time, meaning Arsenal had conceded two goals for the first time this season in all competions and dropped points for the first time since the stalemate with Manchester City back in Septemebr.

Here is how Football London rated the Arsenal player performances.

First XI

David Raya

Could not be blamed too much for the opening goal, Ballard’s strike was unsavable. Despite Brobbey being offside, the Spaniard certainly was not to know and produced a brilliant triple save.

Stopped Brobbey from then tapping in after a long ball into the box but couldn’t find a way to beat the forward in the final moments. 7.

Jurrien Timber

Showed technical prowess throughout the match, and seems to have found a new way to evolve his game in recent weeks. He linked play down the right superbly, especially when easing pressure after Sunderland’s attacks. 7.

William Saliba

Had a golden opportunity to level the score for the Gunners, but unfortunately was the wrong man in the right place, volleying over from Saka’s headed pass. Defensively, the Frenchman was solid, winning numerous duels throughout the game. 7.

Gabriel

Had to stand firm as the game neared its end with increasing pressure, but the Brazilian, ever composed, seeming to have accomplished the task. However, he was outpowered by Brobbey who managed to score past him. 5.

Riccardo Calafiori

A bit unpredictable in the first half, but not in the usual manner, which was impressive. As the game progressed, he grew into it and linked up much better with Trossard. 6.

Martin Zubimendi

Conceded the free-kick that led to Sunderland’s goal, although it wasn’t really his fault as he was penalised for a fair challenge. Had a decent chance in the box, but his weak-footed shot went straight to the keeper.

He hit the bar with a fantastic volley, which would have been a standout moment in another excellent performance. Managed to bag a cheeky assist, setting up Trossard before the Belgian’s stunning strike. 8.

Declan Rice

Was tasked with long throws from the right but lacked the necessary distance. Tested the Sunderland keeper with a free-kick but didn’t trouble him too much with a curling effort from long range.

He was found wanting for the Sunderland goal, losing out in the physical tussles that led to the shot. However, he redeemed himself by winning the ball before it eventually found its way to Saka for the equaliser. 7.

Eberechi Eze

He had a decent chance following a blunder from Enzo Le Fee, but his shot soared high and wide past the top left corner. Another attempt from the centre of the box was volleyed straight at Roefs. 6.

Bukayo Saka

His volleyed effort was easily saved by Robin Roefs. A golden opportunity presented itself at the start of the second half, but the England international dragged it wide.

He made amends for his miss shortly after with a superb strike, low with his weaker right foot to level the score for the Gunners. 8.

Mikel Merino

Starved of service in the first half, but in the second, it was his pass that found Bukayo Saka on the right for the equaliser. Thought he had clinched it at the end with a tap-in, if not for Ballard whose tackle blocked the shot. 6.

Leandro Trossard

The Belgian’s exceptional passing in the second half helped Arsenal claw their way back into the match. He took control of the game to put Arsenal ahead with a brilliant strike, hit hard past Roefs from distance and will be seething it wasn’t the winner. 8.

Substitutes

Cristhian Mosquera – Came on for Eberechi Eze, altering the shape of the Arsenal defence. 6.