Dan Ballard believes Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal felt like “more than a point”.
The newly-promoted Black Cats snatched a draw with the Premier League leaders thanks to Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time effort.
Former Arsenal academy product Ballard put Sunderland ahead with a thumping strike but the Gunners soon responded after the break through Bukayo Saka and a stunning Leandro Trossard goal from outside the box which nestled in the roof of the net.
A dramatic twist then saw Brobbey stab home from an awkward angle to ensure Sunderland claim a point and keeps them unbeaten in six league outings at the Stadium of Light.
“More than a point really, keeping that unbeaten run at home,” Ballard told Sunderland’s in-house media.
“We don’t want teams coming up here and having an easy game, we’ve done that so far and against the league leaders. We’ve just got to keep that strong form going.”
Sunderland are now seven points away from Arsenal in the table and continued their trend of striking late to earn results.
Ballard added: “The amount of late goals we’re scoring, it’s great for the fans and there’s that togetherness that we keep going until the end.
“When you’ve scored a few late ones you always believe. Thankfully Brian’s popped up with a fantastic goal so I’m delighted for him as well.”
Ballard produced another fine performance for Sunderland, scoring in the first half and providing the assist for substitute Brobbey’s equaliser after flicking Trai Hume’s cross towards the striker.
The Northern Ireland international then made a big block in the dying seconds to stop Mikel Merino and admitted a late winner for the visitors would have been disappointing.
“It would have been gutting if we lost the game there. That’s something we need to work on because we can’t have moments like that after just equalising,” Ballard said.
“But the lads threw their bodies on the line and we got the result in the end.”
A draw against Sunderland ended both Arsenal’s 10-match winning run in all competitions and their streak of eight consecutive clean sheets.
The Gunners dominated for periods after the break and came close to finding a winner at the end when Riccardo Calafiori and Merino were denied by Robin Roefs and Ballard, respectively.
Despite his frustrations at conceding late, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta credited Sunderland in finding the equaliser.
“Unsatisfied because I want to win and the game was almost there,” he said.
“But you know this is the Premier League and the manner that they play, they’re going to harm you in their way. It’s just one goal difference there.
“I’m frustrated because it’s an action that we can defend better.
“But as well you have to give credit to the opposition to do what they’ve done, to put the ball there, to head the ball the way they’ve done it and then the striker to do that action and put the ball in the net. Sometimes you have to do that and recognise that as well.”
