Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland as Leandro Trossard among four 8/10s despite draw

Arsenal lost their clean sheet record for the first time in nine games but thought they had responded in the perfect way. Until a late sucker punch saw them drop points for the first time since the draw with Manchester City.

The Gunners went behind following a controversial decision which saw Martin Zubimendi booked for what looked like a good challenge. The north Londoners poorly defended the free-kick poorly however and Daniel Ballard smashed a shot past David Raya.

Arsenal were level just after the half-time whistle as Bukayo Saka found the smallest of gaps at the near-post with his weak foot as 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.

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Despite making some good saves, Raya was beaten by a flicked tap from Brian Brobbey in added time, with the game finishing 2-2.

Here is how football.london rated the player performances:

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 – Was so technically good throughout the game, and has found a style it seems in these last few weeks to progress in a new way. Linked play down the right extremely well, especially when relieving pressure after Sunderland attacks. 7

William Saliba – Had a great chance to find the equaliser for the Gunners, the wrong man in the right place, who volleyed over from Saka’s knocked-down header. Defensively, the Frenchman was solid and won plenty of duels throughout. 7

Gabriel – Had to stay strong toward the end as pressure mounted, but the Brazilian, composed as ever, completed the task at hand. Outmuscled in the end by Brobbey who scored past the Brazilian. 6

Riccardo Calafiori – Somewhat erratic in the first half, but not in the usual way, which impressed. Grew into the game, however, and linked much better with Trossard as the game went on. 6

Martin Zubimendi – Gave away the free-kick which led to the Sunderland goal, although he was hardly at fault, being punished for a fair challenge. Had a good chance in the box, hit with his weak foot straight at the keeper.

Struck the bar with a great volley, which would have been a brilliant highlight in another brilliant performance. Grabbed himself a cheeky assist, laying off Trossard before the Belgian’s amazing strike. 8

Declan Rice – Was on long throws from the right but lacked the distance. Had a free-kick test the Sunderland keeper but failed to test him too greatly with a curling effort from long range.

He was poor for the Sunderland goal as he failed to win the physical battles leading to the shot. Found redemption by winning the ball before the ball eventually found Saka for the equaliser. 7

Eberechi Eze – Had a good opportunity after a mistake from Enzo Le Fee, but shot high and wide past the top left corner. Saw another shot in the middle of the box, volleyed straight at Robin Roefs. 6

Bukayo Saka – Saw a volleyed effort comfortably saved by Roefs. Great chance at the start of the second half, dragged wide by the England international.

Would make up for his miss moments later with a great strike, low with his weaker right foot to bring the Gunners level on the day. 8

Mikel Merino – Lacked service in the first half, but in the second, it was his pass to find Bukayo Saka on the right for the equaliser. Thought he might win it at the end with a tap-in were it not for Ballard whose tackle found a block. 6

Leandro Trossard – Some fantastic passing from the Belgian in the second half helped the Gunners back into the game. Grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck to fire Arsenal in front following a brilliant strike, hit hard past Roefs from range and will be furious it was not the winner. 8

Substitutes:

Cristhian Mosquera – Replacing Eberechi Eze and changing the shape of the Arsenal back line but couldn't quite help see out victory. 6