This is a rally cry.
Arsenal’s 2–2 draw at Sunderland may have ended a 10-game winning streak and brought their remarkable 811-minute clean sheet run to a close, but perspective matters here. Context is everything, and the bigger picture still paints Mikel Arteta’s side in a strong light.
Three away games in seven days. That’s the schedule Arsenal have just battled through — Burnley on Saturday, Slavia Prague on Tuesday, and Sunderland again on Saturday — all while missing six first-team attackers. The players have dug deep, many carrying knocks that haven’t even been disclosed publicly, according to reports. Despite the fatigue and a stretched squad, they remain top of the Premier League heading into the International break.
The match itself was never going to be pretty. Sunderland thrive on scrappy football, and the conditions played right into their hands. Yet Arsenal still found moments to win it, with Mikel Merino coming close late on. Even in a below-par performance, the team showed fight and control in spells — a hallmark of their maturity this season.
SUNDERLAND 2-2 ARSENAL
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 8, 2025
Goals: Ballard 36', Saka 54', Trossard 74', Brobbey 90+4'! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ZbJjMwnfNa
It’s worth remembering the run Arsenal have been on, with trips to Old Trafford, Anfield, St James’ Park, and the Etihad already ticked off, and the Gunners have emerged from that gauntlet as league leaders. That’s not the sign of a faltering team. It’s the mark of one that has learned how to navigate tough stretches and stay composed.
There’s also relief on the horizon. Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz are all expected back after the international break, just in time for the North London Derby at the Emirates. Arteta will finally have close to a full squad again — crucial with the fixture list about to tighten
And people saying sack Arteta look at the form we are 11 games unbeaten so context is needed as the team will regroup with key players returning which is massive as we will enter a big run of games heading into the Xmas period we’ll be back stronger and get a winning run going. pic.twitter.com/byLBUNvwuQ
— Karan Lyall (@KaranLyall) November 9, 2025
So yes, the streak is over. The clean sheet run has fallen. But if you step back, there’s no reason for anxiety. City’s 3–0 win over Liverpool may have cut the gap to four points, but Arsenal still sit at the summit after a brutal run of games. This is the Premier League — no one strolls to the title. What matters is that Arsenal have put themselves in the position to fight for it.
The run might have ended at Sunderland, but the momentum definitely hasn’t.
