Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners stunned at the death

Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to bring their winning run to an end ahead of the international break.

Mikel Arteta fielded the strongest lineup possible for the trip to the Stadium of Light with Riccardo Calafiori, Eberechi Eze and Martín Zubimendi coming back into the side.

Sunderland started the game well, putting the Gunners under a lot of pressure, but their efforts didn't pay off and it was the visitors who had the first chance. Eze won back possession before firing at goal, but his strike went just over the bar.

The Black Cats were the side to find the opener however and it came through a familiar name. No, not Granit Xhaka. Hale End graduate Daniel Ballard picked up the ball in the Arsenal box and fired a brilliant effort past David Raya to put his side ahead and end his former team's brilliant clean sheet run.

The Gunners hit back just minutes after the break when they pounced on a mistake by the hosts. Declan Rice won back possession and played it to Mikel Merino who then found Bukayo Saka on the right side of the box. The skipper set himself before beating Robin Roefs with a smart finish.

With the momentum in their favour, Arsenal continued to press Sunderland before completing the turnaround with 15 minutes to play. Smart overlapping play by Riccardo Calafiori opened up space for Leandro Trossard on the edge of the area and he utilised that by cutting in and firing a sensational strike into the hosts' net.

The Black Cats hunted for an equaliser and went so close, but were thwarted by a triple David Raya save from close range. However, they did level matters in dramatic circumstances as Brian Brobbey nicked an equaliser with an improvised finish in stoppage time.

It ended level at the Stadium of Light and the result arguably reflected both sides' performances. The draw sees Arsenal's lead at the top of the table extend to seven points, but second-placed Manchester City have a game in hand, facing Liverpool on Sunday.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their draw with Sunderland.

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Nothing he could do about Ballard's brilliant strike. Made several brilliant saves late on to keep his side's lead intact. Arguably could have done better for Sunderland's equaliser.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7/10 - Defended his flank well and looked to play his usual versatile role. Found himself high up the pitch a number of times.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet, but put in a solid performance other than conceding twice.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 6.5/10 - Tried to put in a last-ditch block for both goals but couldn't deny either. Steady in all other areas.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7/10 - Helped his side score their second with some smart overlapping play as he dragged a defender out wide to open up space for Trossard to score.

Midfielders

Eberechi Eze (CM) - 6.5/10 - Went close to scoring a number of times, seeing volleyed efforts blocked well. Taken off in the closing stages before the hosts' equaliser.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 7/10 - Almost scored a stunning strike when his volley hit the bar. Assisted Trossard's stunning strike and also picked up a yellow card.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7/10 - Not as good as usual self but still a solid performance. Won some tackles and almost added a third from his own half, but his long-range strike was just off target.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 7.5/10 - Brought his side level with a well-taken finish on his weak foot. Bounced back from a quiet first half to cause problems for the Sunderland backline after the break.

Mikel Merino (ST) - 6.5/10 - Not as influential in front of goal as he would have hoped, but did provide an assist for Arsenal's equaliser. Saw a certain winner blocked by Ballard deep into stoppage time.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 7/10 - Scored a stunning goal from range to put his side ahead in the second half. Caused a few problems down the wing.

Substitutes

• Cristhian Mosquera (on 88' for Eze) - N/A

Player of the match: Bukayo Saka