Arteta: ‘We need players back’ after Sunderland blow

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for patience and reinforcements after his side were held to a dramatic 2–2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Gunners looked set to claim all three points after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard overturned a 1–0 deficit, but Brian Brobbey’s acrobatic equaliser in the 94th minute denied them a comeback victory.

Speaking after the match, Arteta pointed to the club’s mounting injury list, particularly in attack, as a key factor in recent performances.

‘We need to get players back. We’ve been missing seven players in the front line for the last two months, so big credit to the team for what they’ve done,’ he told beIN Sports.

Despite scoring twice, Arsenal struggled to maintain control in key moments, and Arteta acknowledged the limitations his squad has faced.

‘We’re very limited with the options we have. But this is the nature of the season, you go through these periods. We’ve still done really well, so credit to the team,’ he said to Sky Sports.

Among those sidelined are Gabriel Jesus, who is expected to return in the new year, while Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli could be back later this month.

Captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres are also hopeful to return after the international break.

The draw keeps Arsenal seven points ahead of Manchester City, though that gap could narrow with City set to face Liverpool next.

Asked if he’d be hoping for a draw in that clash, Arteta smiled and said, ‘I will be watching it for sure. Let’s see, that’s not in my control.’

Arsenal’s next fixture comes after the international break against Tottenham in a north London derby.