Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland as Gabriel suffers moment to forget and Saka stars

Arsenal's nine-game clean sheet streak came to an end in a match that saw them drop points for the first time since their draw with Manchester City. The Gunners fell behind after a contentious decision resulted in Daniel Ballard beating David Raya. Arsenal equalised shortly after half-time when Bukayo Saka exploited a tiny gap at the near post with his weaker foot. Leandro Trossard then put the Gunners ahead with a thumping shot from outside the box.

Despite making several impressive saves, Raya was defeated by a deft tap from Brian Brobbey in extra time after he got the better of Gabriel Magalhaes, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners...

Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland

David Raya - 7

He can't be held entirely responsible for the opening goal - Ballard's strike was unstoppable. Despite Brobbey being offside, the Spanish goalkeeper couldn't have known and made an excellent triple save. He prevented Brobbey from tapping in after a long ball into the box but was unable to outwit the forward in the final moments.

Jurrien Timber - 7

Displayed excellent technical ability throughout the match, and seems to have found a new way to progress in recent weeks. He linked play down the right superbly, especially when relieving pressure after Sunderland attacks.

William Saliba - 7

Had a golden opportunity to level the score for the Gunners, but unfortunately volleyed over from Saka's knocked-down header. Defensively, the Frenchman was solid, winning numerous duels throughout the game.

Gabriel - 6

Had to remain resilient as pressure mounted towards the end, but the composed Brazilian successfully looked to have completed his task. However, he was then outmuscled by Brobbey who scored the equaliser. A rare moment to forget.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6

Was somewhat erratic in the first half, but not in the usual manner, which was impressive. As the game progressed, he grew into it and linked up much better with Trossard.

Martin Zubimendi - 8

Conceded the free-kick that led to Sunderland's goal, although it wasn't entirely his fault as he was penalised for a fair challenge. Had a decent chance in the box, but his weak-footed shot went straight at the keeper. He struck the bar with a fantastic volley, which would have been a brilliant highlight in another outstanding performance. He also managed to bag an assist, setting up Trossard before the Belgian's spectacular strike.

Declan Rice - 7

Took long throws from the right but lacked distance. Tested the Sunderland keeper with a free-kick, but failed to truly challenge him with a curling effort from long range. He was found wanting for the Sunderland goal, losing out in the physical tussles that led to the shot. However, he redeemed himself by winning the ball before it eventually found its way to Saka for the equaliser.

Eberechi Eze - 6

He had a decent chance following a blunder from Enzo Le Fee, but his shot sailed high and wide past the top left corner. Another attempt in the box was volleyed straight at Robin Roefs.

Bukayo Saka - 8

His volleyed effort was easily saved by Roefs. A golden opportunity presented itself at the start of the second half, but the England international dragged it wide. He made amends for his miss shortly after with a superb strike, low with his weaker right foot to level the score for the Gunners.

Mikel Merino - 6

He was starved of service in the first half, but in the second, it was his pass that found Bukayo Saka on the right for the equaliser. He nearly clinched it at the end with a tap-in, if not for Ballard's tackle which blocked the shot.

Leandro Trossard - 8

The Belgian's exceptional passing in the second half helped Arsenal claw their way back into the match. He took control of the game to put Arsenal ahead with a stunning strike, hit hard past Roefs from distance, and will be livid it wasn't the winner.

Substitutes

Cristhian Mosquera - 6

Came on for Eberechi Eze and altered the shape of the Arsenal defence but couldn't quite help secure the win.