Mikel Arteta spoke of his deep disappointment and frustration following his side surrendered a late leveling goal versus Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. A injury-time goal from replacement Brobbey secured a point for the home side, who currently sit fourth in the table.
“It’s not a nice feeling,” said Arteta. “Frustration and disappointment, since we wanted the full points. We faced a tough match. We knew that. [They were] very disruptive. We needed to handle circumstances that were clearly hard to manage.”
Former Gunners youth player Ballard had opened the scoring in a opening period that seemingly unsettled the away team. Questioned about his feelings when the team’s club-record run of eight clean sheets was broken, the manager responded: “A pain in my tummy, since I don’t want to concede any goals.” His side improved after the break and took the lead through goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard.
Manager's View of Sunderland’s Opener
Arteta commented about the first goal: “We let in a score that was below our level, but after that, the team reacted really well, showed a lot of character and bravery. Scored the first goal, added a second, and we totally dominated the game.
“You have to rely on protecting the area when they push forward multiple attackers there. It can be from a long ball, a throw-in, or any situation. We can defend the action better. And in this match we haven’t done it, we let a goal in.”
Final-Moment Action and Lost Opportunity
Even after Brobbey’s equaliser, Ballard had to block a Mikel Merino attempt. The manager continued: “At the death, we had another massive chance to win, which I think we earned.”
Sunderland Boss Applauds Team’s Character
Régis Le Bris commended the “spirit” of his team, whose saying during the previous campaign’s successful run in the promotion playoffs was: “Until the final whistle”.
“This demonstrates the team has a very resilient spirit,” stated the coach. “It’s still tough facing a side such as Arsenal, among the top clubs in Europe, so you have to do a brilliant performance, otherwise it’s unachievable to get a result.
“In my view the first half was well balanced, we aimed to press high when we could, organised a deep block, really compact, narrow, intense, and we had the opportunity to manage the ball at times.
“The second half was a bit tougher, because you defend for long periods, and then you have to stay composed in possession, and we possess a really young squad, inexperienced athletes lacking extensive know-how in the Premier League, so it’s a good lesson.
“I think we were just on the edge following the second goal, and Arsenal were in control, and they were skilled at retaining the ball. But with the energy of the stadium, in my opinion the characteristics of our players, and the background we have now, I think it’s really positive for this faith, and this belief, that we can change the dynamic.”
