The Secret to Scoring Against Arsenal? Ask Sunderland

SUNDERLAND, SATURDAY — The Sunderland promotion team has finally found the key to breaking down Arsenal's solid defense. The secret lies in turning Arsenal's own weapons against them in set pieces and aerial duels to punish the opposing team. Former Arsenal player Dan Ballard became the executor of this strategy.

After not conceding for 12 hours of play, Arsenal was caught off guard by two goals from the home team Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Sunday (9/11/2025) early morning WIB. Not only that, "The Gunners" also had to end their ten-match winning streak due to the 2-2 draw.

To make matters worse, the visitors lost all points in the final minutes of injury time. Sunderland substitute Bryan Brobbey's acrobatic effort in the penalty area was denied by goalkeeper David Raya. Arsenal conceded two goals in a single match for the first time this season.

"They caused us a lot of trouble. We (spent more time) defending in our own penalty box. We knew we had to take advantage of set-piece opportunities and be more aggressive when we were without the ball. We thought we could get something from this match, and we succeeded," said Ballard, the central defender of Sunderland.

Ahead of the match, the spotlight is on Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who will reunite with Arsenal. Unexpectedly, the visiting team was instead surprised by another former player. That individual is Ballard, a 26-year-old defender who grew up in the Arsenal academy.

Ballard exploited the weaknesses of the team managed by Mikel Arteta with a contribution of one goal and one assist. He scored the opening goal through a set piece in the first half. Meanwhile, Ballard was the one who deflected the ball towards Brobbey for the equalizing goal at the end of the match.

Two direct balls, two changes in direction, with similar actions. Kudos to the opponents. They have Ballard and can create those moments.

There is one conclusion from Sunderland's two goals: Arsenal players were unable to withstand Ballard's physical superiority. The robust player, standing at 187 centimeters tall, consistently won duels in the penalty area. He overpowered midfielder Declan Rice for the first goal and midfielder Martin Zubimendi for the second goal.

Interestingly, Sunderland Coach Regis Le Bris utilizes Ballard similarly to Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal. Ballard is targeted as the main focus in the penalty area during set-piece situations or when under pressure with cross passes. The guest team's main weapon has also turned against themselves.

In the attacking line, Arsenal is very difficult to defeat in aerial duels due to having Gabriel. This is evidenced by their lethal status from set-piece schemes, with a record of 12 goals in the league. However, this advantage does not apply in defense. Opposing teams can target players who are less dominant in the air, as Sunderland did with Ballard.

Arteta stated that the two goals were created from nearly the same scheme. They were unable to neutralize the chaos in the penalty area. "Two direct balls, two changes in direction, with similar actions. Hats off to the opponent. They have Ballard and can create those moments. They deserve to be in their current position," he said.

Ballard's heroic actions continued after the equalizing goal. The Northern Irish player successfully blocked a shot from midfielder Mikel Merino in front of the goal. If he had been just a moment late, Merino might have turned the advantage back in favor of Arsenal with that golden opportunity. "The goal certainly felt great, but that block might be more important in the end!" Ballard explained.

Despite maintaining control for almost the entire match, "The Cannons" found themselves quite overwhelmed by the intensity of the home team towards the end of the game. So pressured was Arteta that he resorted to a formation of five parallel defenders. Defender Cristhian Mosquera was substituted in for midfielder Eberechi Eze in the 88th minute.

According to Le Bris, the resurgence is closely linked to the support from the entire stadium. This enabled them to maintain an energetic performance until the final whistle. "We faced one of the best teams in Europe, clearly we struggled. However, we remained united and connected in our pursuit of a goal," he stated.

Sunderland took the lead in the first half. After the break, Arsenal dominated the game and managed to turn the situation around with goals from winger Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. However, it turned out that the pair of goals was not enough for the visiting team to secure three points.

Through this result, Sunderland increasingly demonstrates its capability to compete at the top. Xhaka and his teammates now occupy the third position in the temporary standings with 19 points. Meanwhile, Arsenal remains at the top of the standings with 26 points.

One of the most impressive moments in the match was Ballard's celebration. He showcased his biceps like a bodybuilder. Although the celebration was in front of the team that raised him, it did not diminish Ballard's respect. "I truly spent my entire childhood there; they taught me everything. Arsenal will always hold a special place in my heart," he concluded. (AP/REUTERS)