Brian Brobbey struck deep into stoppage time to earn Sunderland a dramatic 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal, extending the Black Cats’ unbeaten home run in the league to six matches.

Arsenal were first to threaten through a Declan Rice free-kick, which goalkeeper Robin Roefs comfortably parried away. Sunderland responded as Wilson Isidor dragged a shot wide from a tight angle, before taking a shock lead midway through the half. Arsenal academy graduate Daniel Ballard reacted quickest to Nordi Mukiele’s knockdown, hammering home and ending the Gunners’ impressive streak of eight consecutive clean sheets.

Arsenal pressed for a quick reply and nearly found one in first-half stoppage time when William Saliba fired over from close range during an extended period of added time, leaving Sunderland ahead at the break.

The visitors emerged with renewed purpose after halftime. Martín Zubimendi forced a save from Roefs before Bukayo Saka narrowly missed the target. The England winger soon made amends, combining with Mikel Merino and finishing smartly with his weaker right foot to level the contest.

The momentum was now firmly with Arsenal. Eberechi Eze tested Roefs, and Zubimendi struck the crossbar after the keeper had palmed away a dangerous Saka delivery. The relentless pressure finally told when Leandro Trossard curled a superb strike into the top corner from the edge of the area to put the league leaders in front.

But Sunderland refused to fold. In the dying moments, Brobbey capitalised on a loose ball and showed great composure to beat David Raya with an acrobatic finish, sparking wild celebrations inside the Stadium of Light.

Roefs then ensured Sunderland held on, producing a stunning save to deny Riccardo Calafiori’s header before Ballard blocked Merino’s follow-up effort.

The result saw Arsenal extend their unbeaten head-to-head run against Sunderland to 16 league games, though the dropped points meant they missed the chance to move nine clear at the top. Sunderland, meanwhile, climbed into third place after going four matches unbeaten.