Dan Ballard truly immense again, 3/10 a liability – Sunderland player ratings vs Arsenal
Dan Ballard’s cult-hero status at Sunderland rose to new levels in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Off the back of Sunderland’s 1-1 draw to Everton on Monday, there was hope that the Black Cats could return to winning ways and move into second place in Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
Ballard lashed home from close range to end Arsenal’s incredible 812-minute run without conceding a goal, yet Bukayo Saka equalised early on in the second half after squeezing home a powerful shot at the near post.
Leandro Trossard then gave Arsenal the lead with a fierce strike from distance to give the league leaders the lead, before Brian Brobbey bundled home in the 94th minute to earn Sunderland another crucial point.
The result moves Sunderland up to third in the Premier League table, while Arsenal have extended their lead at the top to seven points.
Dan Ballard incredible against former club Arsenal
Sunderland were unchanged against Arsenal for the third game in a row, with Ballard playing at the heart of the three centre-backs.
Ballard’s aerial threat was crucial against Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, but it was his emphatic strike that sent the Black Cats supporters into delirium.
A long ball forward was headed down by Nordi Mukiele, and Ballard took a brilliant touch before unleashing a powerful strike past David Raya.
Having played for Arsenal in his youth career, Ballard will be pleased on a personal level to be the key difference-maker on Saturday.
The 26-year-old made five clearances and four headed clearances at the Stadium of Light, and he’ll be thrilled with the point in the end.
Not only did he assist Brobbey’s dramatic equaliser, but he then made a goal-saving block to deny Merino at the death.
His performances in recent wins over Wolves and Chelsea have been incredible, but Ballard took his levels to a new high against the league leaders.
Nothing will top Ballard’s Championship play off goal against Coventry, but his effort against his former club may come close.
Enzo Le Fee underwhelms for Sunderland
Sunderland were incredibly impressive in the first half, yet Enzo Le Fee only made eight touches in the first 45 minutes.
With the Black Cats leading, Le Fee inexplicably gave the ball away to Declan Rice, with Saka firing home as a result.
Le Fee was subbed off in the 63rd minute to cap off a fairly tame performance.
| Stat | Enzo Le Fee |
| Minutes played | 63 |
| Touches | 36 |
| Times dispossessed | 3 |
| Errors leading to goal | 1 |
The whole of Sunderland’s front three weren’t involved much in the match, yet there were no signs that Le Fee could influence the match.
The French winger had been careless on the ball in the first half, gifting the ball to Eberechi Eze on the edge of his own box.
That was a huge warning sign of what was potentially to come, and unfortunately for Sunderland, he cost them massively in the second half.
Le Fee has been impactful this season, and Sunderland fans will be hoping that the Arsenal game was just a blip for him.
Sunderland player ratings
Robin Roefs – 6
Trai Hume – 7
Nordi Mukiele – 7
Dan Ballard – 9
Lutsharel Geertruida – 7 (for Mayenda 88′)
Reinildo – 6
Noah Sadiki – 7
Granit Xhaka – 8
Enzo Le Fee – 3 (for Adingra 63′)
Bertrand Traore – 5 (for Talbi 63′)
Wilson Isidor – 5 (for Brobbey 63′)
Substitutes:
Simon Adingra – 4 (63′)
Brian Brobbey – 7 (63′)
Chemsdine Talbi – 5 (63′)
Eliezer Mayenda – N/A (88′)
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