The staggering stats that highlight just how immense Dan Ballard was vs Arsenal
Dan Ballard was the standout for Sunderland in the 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Ballard was immense for Sunderland as they ended Arsenal’s eight-game clean sheet run with a draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Black Cats showed incredible mental strength to come back against the Gunners deep into stoppage time.
As a result, Regis Le Bris’ side are provisionally third in a Premier League charge that most didn’t see coming.
Dan Ballard shines vs Arsenal
It was said that Sunderland’s hopes rested on Ballard’s shoulders and he rose to the occasion against Arsenal, where he netted the opener and was heavily involved in the equaliser.
To put things into perspective, the defender generated 0.09 expected goals against the Gunners. However, he registered 0.53 expected goals on target by the end of the final whistle.
The fact that he scored that chance alone demonstrates just how incredible his performance was.
Defensively, he wasn’t too shabby either:
- Ballard won 50 per cent of his ground duels
- He made six clearances
- The defender was not dribbled past once
Meanwhile, he won five out of 11 aerial duels and blocked one shot, according to Sofascore.
Indeed, this was a complete defensive performance from Sunderland and Ballard from beginning to end.
- Read more: What these four players have done proves Regis Le Bris will keep Sunderland in Premier League
Why Dan Ballard will be important to Sunderland’s Premier League campaign
There is no denying that Ballard has been strong defensively in the Premier League this season.
- He has won 73 per cent of his ground duels this season
- Ballard has won 60 per cent of his aerial duels
- He has won 63 per cent of his total duels this season
Furthermore, the versatile defender has made 6.6 clearances and recovered 1.3 balls this season.
However, his game against Arsenal has shown just how important he can be.
Indeed, Ballard always seemed to be in the right place, at the right time, when in and around the penalty area. Mikel Arteta’s side had no answers to his brute strength and excellent physicality when in the box.
His goal against the Gunners was also his second of the Premier League season, which is one more than Gabriel Magalhaes, whom he outclassed at the Stadium of Light.
One of Arsenal’s biggest strengths under Arteta has been the offensive quality of their fullbacks, and if Ballard continues in this manner, he could hold the key to Sunderland’s Premier League hopes this season.
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