Stoppage-time Brobbey dazzler denies Arsenal win

Saka (54), Trossard (74) Have the Premier League’s newly arrived disruptors unlocked a way of disrupting Arsenal’s title charge?

- SIMON BIRD

The evidence from the chaos at a raucous Stadium of Light suggests a case for that theory, and a sliver of reassurance for Mikel Arteta amid the frustration. Faced with the disciplined, athletic, spirited red and white wall of Sunderland, Arsenal wobbled, then conjured a forceful second half revival, but ultimately wilted.

In the previous 10 games, five in the league, Arsenal rolled over their opponents with varying degrees of ease, even going eight games without conceding a goal. Encountering a home city infused with a spirit of regeneration and defiance, the Gunners saw that winning streak and clean sheet collection wrecked.

Titles are not won in November but important staging posts are reached, stern tests are faced, and the foundations of champions are laid.

A point here is no disaster. But with victory in their grasp in the 94th minute, they were pulled around, bullied and battered by Sunderland’s last gasp attacking endeavours, and the win was snatched away by Brian Brobbey's improvisation, after a rare outmuscling of Gabriel.

Is this the tactical blueprint to play Arsenal? Make the game a mess, full of interruptions, niggles and a total lack of fluidity, the theme of the first half.

For the neutral it was perhaps ugly; for the Wearside locals, it was a show of new found belief.

Arteta said: "We have to learn and get better. The last feeling is of disappointment and frustration. We had to navigate a disrupted game. We reacted well, showed personality and courage."