Sunderland is a formidable team in this year's Premier League season. The "Black Meo" are new players but they are not innocent, the team from the Northeast region of England is playing disciplined and effectively, having defeated Chelsea and held other big teams to a draw.
For Arsenal, they had to leave the Northeast once again but could not keep all 3 points. If in the match against Newcastle, the late goal brought a thrilling victory, this time, the scenario reversed when a late goal cost The Gunners 2 points.
Arsenal's first half was not bad. In the context of just returning from a trip to the Czech Republic in the Champions League, it is understandable that Mikel Arteta's team was somewhat slow to enter the match. However, what angered Arteta was his superficial defense leading to the first goal, which was a basic mistake.
After the clean sheet was ended, what experts wanted to see was how Arsenal reacted and they did very well. In the second half, the away team played much more urgently and creatively. The coordination of speed, moving the ballless and pressing at high intensity helped Arsenal score two beautiful goals. One goal from Bukayo Saka, the other goal was scored by Leandro Trossard. If the match ended 2-1, the public would now probably talk about the bravery of the big team.
However, Brian Brobbey's late equaliser caused regret for the London club. When they could not win all 3 points, every spearhead immediately fell on Mikel Arteta, which has become a habit at Arsenal every time the result was not as expected.
The focus of the criticism wave was Arteta's only one change in the match when Cristhian Mosquera replaced Eberechi Eze. Many people thought he should take a more risky stance, launching Christian Norgaard or giving young players like Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman a chance to make a difference. However, in the context of a fierce pressing match by Sunderland, those changes could cause Arsenal to lose control of the midfield, even lose.
Arteta chose safety and in theory, it was not a bad decision. In fact, this draw did not come from tactics or substitutions, it came from the moment of distraction between goalkeeper David Raya and center back Gabriel Magalhaes.
Some changes may make the audience more satisfied but will not change the nature of the match. Arsenal simply were unlucky and they paid the price.
It is worth remembering that Arsenal are having the most impressive start in the last 3 seasons. After 11 matches, they have only dropped points 3 times and are still leading the rankings with 26 points. A draw with a team like Sunderland should not be considered too big a concern.
What Arteta needs to do is stabilize the team's spirit in the face of a series of fierce matches ahead. Arsenal will meet Tottenham, then Chelsea, and between them will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League. That is a competition week that can shape the whole season and this is the truly challenging time.
The good news for Arteta is that the "Emerite Hospital" is about to be cleared. Gabriel Jesus has returned to training, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to recover after a series of international matches, while Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are also close to recovery. When these 6 pillars return, Arsenal will regain their squad depth.
Arsenal are still in a good position and if they beat Tottenham or Chelsea, the crisis that was inflated after the draw with Sunderland will be quickly forgotten. More than ever, what Arteta needs is calmness and courage, two things that will help them overcome the upcoming period.
