Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance after they recorded a dramatic 2-2 draw with league leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
The newly-promoted side faced a huge test against an Arsenal side that had not conceded a goal in their last eight matches, but proved their quality as they came out with an important point.
The Black Cats’ impressive start to their first top-flight campaign continued as they moved up to 19 points and in fourth place, just seven points behind the Gunners who are first.
Speaking after the game, Le Bris was impressed with his team’s resilience following their stoppage-time equalizer to seal the draw.
“I think we showed once again our character and togetherness. We struggled as expected against a really strong squad. Even when we went through difficult moments we showed it was possible to change the dynamic and create something right until the end”, the Sunderland manager revealed.
“We had to be the best Sunderland as possible in different phases. The first half was interesting. It was balanced. We were organised out of position with the ability to threaten the opponent on set-pieces.”
Dan Ballard had given the home side a shock lead, ending the visitors run of clean sheets in all competitions.
However, Arsenal stepped up and equalized through Bukayo Saka, before an unstoppable shot from Leandro Trossard completed the comeback.
The Gunners were heading for victory, but were denied in the closing minutes of the match as substitute Brian Brobbey pulled off a remarkable goal to equalize for the home side.
“We had good players with the ball. It was a bit tougher in the second half. We were more fragile with the ball and we conceded a goal like that. But it is a really good lesson because we have a really young squad without experience in the Premier League”, he added.
“We have a well balanced team with different options. Different profiles. When we prepared for this season it was really important to add some physicality and I think you see that today.”
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