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Mikel Arteta spoke of his deep frustration and disappointment following his side surrendered a late equaliser against the home team in their stadium. A injury-time goal from replacement Brian Brobbey secured a point for the home side, who are placed fourth in the table.

“It feels terrible,” said Arteta. “Frustration and disappointment, because we wanted the three points. We faced a tough game. We were aware. [They were] very disruptive. We needed to handle circumstances that were clearly hard to manage.”

Former Arsenal academy player Ballard had scored first in a first half that seemingly unsettled the away team. Questioned about his feelings when the team’s club-record streak without conceding was ended, Arteta replied: “It hurts, since I don’t want to concede goals.” His side performed better after the break and took the lead through goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.

Manager's View of First Goal Conceded

The coach said about Sunderland’s opener: “We conceded a goal that was below our level, but after that, the team reacted really well, displayed a lot of character and bravery. Got the first goal, scored the second goal, and we totally dominated the match.

“You have to rely on protecting the area when they push forward multiple attackers there. It might come from a long ball, a throw, or any situation. We should have defended it better. And today we haven’t done it, we have conceded a goal.”

Late Drama and Missed Chance

Despite the leveling goal, the defender had to block a Merino attempt. Arteta added: “In the last minute, we had one more big opportunity to win, which I think we deserved.”

Sunderland Boss Praises Team’s Character

Régis Le Bris praised the “character” of his squad, whose saying during last season’s successful run in the promotion playoffs was: “Until the final whistle”.

“It shows that the team has a really strong character,” said Le Bris. “It’s still tough facing a side such as Arsenal, among the top clubs in Europe, so you have to do a brilliant performance, otherwise it’s unachievable to get a result.

“In my view the opening period was well balanced, we tried to defend high when we could, organised a deep block, very tight, narrow, intense, and we had the chance to possess the ball at times.

“The latter period was a little harder, since you spend much time defending, and then must remain calm with the ball, and we still have a very youthful team, really young players lacking extensive know-how in the Premier League, so it’s a good lesson.

“I think we were just on the edge after the 2-1, and Arsenal were dominant, and they were able to keep the ball. But with the energy of the stadium, I think the qualities of our players, and the background we have now, I think it’s really positive for this faith, and this belief, that we can shift the momentum.”