Arsenal academy product makes a statement on Premier League debut, Bukayo Saka and Ian Wright react

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Three years after leaving Arsenal, one former Hale Ender made his long-awaited Premier League debut.

The 2024/25 season was one for Hale End to savour at Arsenal, as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri became protagonists in Mikel Arteta’s squad. 

That being said, the route to the top doesn’t always happen in North London for products of Arsenal’s academy, as one recent Premier League debutant knows too well. 

After leaving Arsenal in 2022, Dan Ballard made his Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign, lining up for newly-promoted Sunderland. 

Dan Ballard shines on Premier League debut

Steve Bould was a firm believer in Ballard at Arsenal, but the defender needed to spread his wings in order to truly fly. 

Now in the top-flight with Sunderland, the 25-year-old made his Premier League debut against West Ham on matchday one, playing alongside Granit Xhaka in a shock turn of events.

Xhaka impressed Arsenal fans on his return to the Premier League, captaining Sunderland to a 3-0 win over West Ham.

It wasn’t, however, just Xhaka who impressed, as Ballard had a debut of dreams in the English top flight.

Handed a Sofascore match rating of 9.3, significantly higher than anyone else on the pitch, Ballard was an immovable force against the Hammers. 

Not only did the defender score, but he also led by example at the back, pulling off 15 defensive contributions, one of which being a clearance off the line.

Ballard’s Premier League debut will take some beating, as the Hale End product certainly did himself and his club proud on the opening day.

Arsenal figures react to Ballard’s debut success

It wasn’t only those at Sunderland who would’ve loved what they saw from Ballard.

Several Arsenal figures reacted to the defender’s debut, including former academy star Charlie Patino. 

On Instagram, Patino commented, “Nice you”, as Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka were amongst those to like the post.

Ballard is flying the flag for Hale End in the Premier League, steering Sunderland to a statement three points on their return to the top.