Arsenal’s result vs Sunderland matters a lot less when you realise what 72-touch star did

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Arsenal dropped points in disappointing fashion against Sunderland on Saturday evening, although one of Mikel Arteta’s players produced an excellent performance.

Brian Brobbey scooped home a 94th minute equaliser for the Black Cats to end the Gunners’ impressive run, which saw them win ten matches in a row.

This came after the North Londoners had fought back from behind, with goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard cancelling out Dan Ballard’s early strike.

While the result is somewhat damaging for Arsenal’s title hopes, they came away from Wearside with one significant shining light.

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Bukayo Saka was back to his best against Sunderland

Saka has struggled in recent matches, clearly finding it difficult to find his best form again after recovering from his injury.

The winger has been overworked and overburdened with minutes, carrying a depleted Arsenal attack for a few weeks now.

This all changed against Sunderland. The winger was brilliant throughout the 90 minutes, playing in a narrow role, close to makeshift striker Mikel Merino.

He particularly shone in the second half, taking it upon himself to drive the Gunners forward and create havoc in the final third as his team chased the game.

Expertly slotting home at the near post after being fed by Merino for the equaliser, he was also involved in several other dangerous moments for Arsenal.

Almost finding the back of the net with an effort which he dragged wide moments before his goal, he also created a glorious chance for Riccardo Calafiori in the last minute, swinging an excellent cross to the back post for the Italian.

It was an accomplished display from Arsenal’s talisman.

Bukayo Saka’s statistics vs Sunderland

Saka’s excellent outing was reflected in his impressive stats from the game.

Managing 72 touches, he created two big chances, accumulated 0.83 expected goals plus expected assists and had seven touches in Sunderland’s penalty area.

He created all this threat whilst also making 12 defensive contributions and retaining the ball well, completing 90% of his passes.

While the result is a blow for Arsenal, having their best player back at his best is arguably a more important takeaway for Arteta.

The Spaniard will have the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke to call upon after the international break, which should strengthen the Gunners significantly, but Saka’s form is more important than all of this.

The North London outfit’s success over the course of the season is contingent on the winger remaining fit and firing, and he certainly was firing on all cylinders against Sunderland.