Overview
- Dan Ballard put Sunderland ahead before Bukayo Saka equalised and Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal the lead, only for Brian Brobbey to score a 94th‑minute overhead kick for 2-2.
- Former referee Dermot Gallagher said VAR correctly let play stand on Dan Ballard’s early clash with Mikel Merino and called Sunderland’s late leveller a good goal, while judging the free kick before Ballard’s strike harsh on Arsenal.
- Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris confirmed the club moved advertising hoardings closer to the pitch to limit long throws; broadcaster Richard Keys said Arsenal would discuss potential safety implications, noting no rules were broken.
- Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman criticised David Raya’s decision-making for the stoppage-time goal, suggesting the keeper should have punched rather than tried to catch.
- Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhães, posted messages of resolve after the draw, while Sunderland maintained their unbeaten home record.