Brian Brobbey’s 94th-minute strike rescued a dramatic point for Sunderland as they held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.

After falling behind to first-half opener Daniel Ballard, Sunderland looked set to be overrun by the Gunners, who appeared to stage a second-half comeback through goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. But Brobbey emerged as the hero in stoppage time, beating David Raya to fire home and deny Arsenal all three points.

Sunderland had stunned Arsenal early when Ballard, a former Arsenal academy player, headed home from a deep free-kick delivered by Robin Roefs, ending Arsenal’s remarkable 812-minute run without conceding. The goal energized the home side and set the stage for a tense encounter.

Arsenal, chasing their first comeback since September’s clash with Newcastle, responded in the second half. Declan Rice capitalized on a loose touch from Enzo Le Fee, feeding Saka, who slotted past Roefs to level the score. Martin Zubimendi then saw a fierce effort crash against the crossbar, while Trossard appeared to seal the three points with a thunderous strike from outside the box that rocketed into the net.

Just when it seemed Sunderland’s hopes were dashed, Brobbey intervened in the dying minutes, securing a dramatic equaliser. Ballard also made a crucial block at the other end to deny Mikel Merino what could have been a last-gasp winner.

The draw keeps Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Sunderland climb to third ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool on Super Sunday.