Sunderland entertained Arsenal at the Stadium of Light earlier tonight as they hoped to earn a good result at home in the Premier League. The Black Cats made a solid start to the game and managed to get to the half-time interval with a goalless scoreline.
Bruno Guimaraes made the opening breakthrough for the Gunners in the 58th minute. Reinildo Mandava was given his marching orders by the referee in injury time. Bukayo Saka killed the game off from the penalty spot soon after. The match finished with Regis Le Bris’ men suffering a tough 2-0 loss at the Stadium of Light.
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Let’s take a look at how each Sunderland player fared during the clash against the Gunners.
GK: Robin Roefs – 6.5/10
He made a few solid saves at the back but conceded two goals tonight.
RB: Nordi Mukiele – 6.5/10
Mukiele came back to defend when he could and was not shy of having a strike at goal.
CB: Kevin Danso – 6/10
He made two crucial clearances inside his half but failed to keep things solid in the second half.
CB: Dan Ballard – 6.5/10
Ballard performed his defensive duties well and was good on the ball.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Daniel Ballard of Sunderland wins a header against Gabriel of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Sunderland and Arsenal FC at Stadium of Light on September 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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LB: Reinildo Mandava – 5/10
He did his fair share of defending but let his teammates down by getting sent off in injury time.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 7/10
Xhaka was a positive influence on both halves and was accurate with his passing.
CM: Noah Sadiki – 6.5/10
He anchored the midfield with conviction but failed to impress going forward.
RW: Thomas Meunier – 6/10
Meunier cleared his lines when he could and didn’t shy away from having a strike at goal.
He got himself into some promising positions but failed to take his chances in front of goal. Le Fee was also guilty of missing a penalty.
LW: Nilson Angulo – 6/10
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Angulo was quiet for most of his time on the pitch and was replaced in the 69th minute.
ST: Brian Brobbey – 5.5/10
He made one good chance in the final third but never looked like he would score.
LW: Malick Fofana – 6/10
His impact on the game was minimal after coming on as a substitute.
ST: Wilson Isidor – 6/10
He failed to threaten the opponent’s goal.
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