Mikel Arteta praised Sunderland for their ability to create “chaos” with free kicks, long throws and direct balls against Arsenal on Saturday.Â
The Black Cats held the Premier League leaders at the Stadium of Light, taking the lead in the first half before coming from behind late on to draw 2-2.
Play-off final hero Dan Ballard smashed the ball past David Raya to give the hosts a lead heading into the interval and end Arsenal‘s run of eight consecutive clean sheets. But the Gunners turned it around in the second half thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Sunderland continued to take the game to the north London outfit, however, and were eventually rewarded deep into stoppage time when Brian Brobbey poked the ball into the net.
Mikel Arteta explains how Sunderland created ‘chaos’ in Arsenal draw
“Credit to them, it was the type of game that they wanted to throw you in and you have to handle that,” Arteta told BBC Match of the Day.
“There are a lot of games like this in the Premier League right now. We conceded a goal in a manner we knew was one of their biggest strengths. They do that really well.
“After that I think we reacted well. We scored the first goal, then the second and the game was dominated. But in any moment, they just need a foul or a long throw, a direct ball to create that chaos.
“You have to defend actions well. We conceded a goal and we’re really disappointed because even at the end we had a massive chance with [Riccardo Calafiori] and Mikel [Merino] to win it. But it wasn’t meant to be so we have to accept it.”
DAN BALLARD!
Sunderland break Arsenal's clean sheet run! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lVQ3ACpp41
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 8, 2025
Asked if he had any complaints after seeing his team’s ten-match winning streak ended, Arteta responded:Â “No, we have won the last 10 games, not conceded goals, we have seven players injured and the team has been phenomenal in performances and results, so let’s keep going.”
Arsenal struggled to create many chances in the opening half, but were much improved after the break as they peppered the Sunderland goal with shots.
“We had to do something better, especially with how they set up with all the long and direct balls,” Arteta added.
“We said something on that which allowed up more control and to dominate. We changed a few things to have more penetration and more threat. We scored two very good goals and it’s a shame how we conceded at the end.”
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