Arsenal's impressive five-match winning streak in the league, and ten in all competitions, came to an end on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The result, which saw Arsenal concede two goals for the first time in 881 minutes across nine games, has potentially injected new life into the Premier League title race. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, stating he felt a "pain in my tummy" after his side let in their first goal in nearly nine games and then again in stoppage time.

The Gunners had maintained one of English football's stingiest defenses in a generation, not having conceded a goal since September 28. However, this formidable record was broken in the 36th minute when former Arsenal academy player Danny Ballard lashed in a beautiful volley for Sunderland. Arteta acknowledged the goal put the game in a difficult position for his team, who were facing a Sunderland side returning to the Premier League after an eight-year absence and performing above expectations, remaining undefeated at home.

Despite the early setback and the challenging opposition, Arsenal showed significant character in the second half. They upped the pressure with more penetrative passes, with Martín Zubimendi testing goalkeeper Robin Roefs, and Bukayo Saka initially pulling an effort wide. Saka, however, soon made amends, receiving a pass from Mikel Merino and clinically equalizing with his weaker right foot. The relentless pressure from the visitors continued, with Eberechi Eze and Zubimendi also creating chances, the latter hitting the crossbar. The visitors' dominance made a second goal almost inevitable.

Leandro Trossard provided that crucial second goal with a spectacular thunder strike into the top corner from the edge of the box, putting Arsenal in a battling lead. For a time, it looked as though Arsenal would secure a hard-fought victory. However, there was a late twist to the tale. In the fourth minute of added-on time, substitute Brian Brobbey salvaged a point for Sunderland. Brobbey beat goalkeeper David Raya and defender Gabriel to a loose ball after a flick-on, finishing acrobatically to secure a dramatic equalizer.

Brobbey's late goal means Arsenal's lead at the top of the table is now seven points over second-place Manchester City, who are scheduled to play defending champions Liverpool on Sunday. Arteta reflected on the outcome, stating, "The last feeling, it's disappointment and frustration because we wanted the three points." He acknowledged the difficulty of the game, praising his team's reaction and personality after conceding but lamenting their inability to defend the box better against Sunderland's late pressure. Despite the draw, Arsenal still had chances to win it, with Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino being denied by Roefs and Ballard respectively in the dying moments. Arteta concluded by highlighting the difficulty of winning games and keeping clean sheets, especially with several key players missing in the frontline, emphasizing the effort put in over the last ten games.