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The Arsenal boss expressed his deep frustration and disappointment following his side surrendered a late equaliser against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. A 94th-minute strike from replacement Brian Brobbey secured a draw for the home side, who currently sit in fourth position.

“It feels terrible,” said Arteta. “It’s disappointment and frustration, because we were aiming for the full points. We faced a difficult game. We were aware. [They were] extremely disruptive. We had to deal with situations that were clearly difficult to deal with.”

Former Gunners youth player Ballard had scored first in a first half that seemingly unsettled the away team. When asked about his reaction when Arsenal’s club-record streak without conceding was broken, Arteta replied: “It hurts, since I hate giving up goals.” His side improved after the break and took the lead via goals from Saka and Leandro 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 following that, the team reacted really well, showed a lot of character and bravery. Scored the first goal, scored the second goal, and we totally dominated the game.

“You have to rely on protecting the area when they start to commit multiple attackers there. It can be from a direct play, a throw-in, or any scenario. We should have defended it better. And today we haven’t done it, we let a goal in.”

Final-Moment Action and Lost Opportunity

Even after the leveling goal, Ballard had to block a Mikel Merino attempt. Arteta added: “At the death, we had another massive chance to win, which I think we deserved.”

Opposition Manager Applauds Squad’s Spirit

The Sunderland manager praised the “spirit” of his squad, whose saying in the previous campaign’s winning streak in the Championship playoffs was: “Till the end”.

“It shows that the team has a really strong character,” said Le Bris. “It’s always difficult against a team like Arsenal, one of the best teams in Europe, so it requires a brilliant performance, otherwise it’s impossible to win something.

“I think the first half was well balanced, we aimed to press high when we could, set up a deep defense, very tight, focused, aggressive, and we had the opportunity to possess the ball sometimes.

“The latter period was a bit tougher, since you spend much time defending, and then must remain calm in possession, and we still have a very youthful team, really young players lacking extensive know-how in the Premier League, so it’s a good lesson.

“I think we were just on the edge after the 2-1, and Arsenal were dominant, and they were able to keep the ball. But with the energy of the stadium, I think the qualities of our players, and the foundation we have now, it seems it’s really positive for this belief, and this belief, that we can change the dynamic.”