Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal: Ballard ends Gunners’ clean sheet run

Arsenal saw their eight-game run without conceding a goal come to an end as Dan Ballard gave Sunderland the lead in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.

The Gunners went into Saturday’s contest having not conceded since Nick Woltemade’s goal for Sunderland’s North East rivals Newcastle United on September 28.

Arsenal came from behind to claim a rare win at St James’ Park and will need to do the same to prevail on Wearside following Ballard’s emphatic opener.

The Gunners were left exasperated early on when makeshift striker Mikel Merino went down in the area after being caught in the face by the arm of Arsenal academy graduate. Merino required lengthy treatment, but the incident was not checked by VAR for a potential penalty.

Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, though Eberechi Eze curled narrowly over and Declan Rice tested Robin Roefs from a free-kick.

However, it was Ballard who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, outmuscling Rice to meet Nordi Mukiele’s knockdown with a powerful close-range finish.

Arsenal saw a gilt-edged chance to level go begging when William Saliba blazed over, leaving Sunderland 45 minutes from a win that would move the league’s surprise package four points behind the leaders.