Arsenal conceded for the first time since September as Dan Ballard put Sunderland ahead in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.
Arsenal saw their run of eight games without conceding come to an end as Dan Ballard put Sunderland ahead in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.
The Gunners went into Saturday’s competition without conceding a goal since Nick Woltemade’s strike for Sunderland’s north-east rivals Newcastle United on September 28.
Arsenal came from behind to claim a rare victory at St James’ Park and will need to do the same to prevail against Wearside after Ballard’s emphatic opener.
The Gunners were infuriated early on when makeshift striker Mikel Merino went down in the box after being hit in the face by the arm of an Arsenal academy graduate. Merino required lengthy treatment, but the incident was not checked by VAR for a possible penalty.
Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, although Eberechi Eze curled narrowly and Declan Rice tested Robin Roefs from a free-kick.
However, it was Ballard who opened the scoring in the 36th minute, outplaying Rice to respond to Nordi Mukiele’s knockdown with a powerful finish from close range.
Arsenal saw an unexpected chance to equalize when William Saliba lashed out, leaving Sunderland 45 minutes away from a victory that would move the surprise league package to within four points of the leaders.
