Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris commended his side for their fight and character as they drew 2-2 with league leaders Arsenal after Brian Brobbey scored in stoppage time.
Arsenal had gone eight games without conceding, but Dan Ballard breached the Gunners' defence with a thunderous finish to put the Black Cats in front at the break.
Mikel Arteta's side improved in the second half and took the lead through goals through Leandro Trossard after Bukayo Saka had equalised, but substitute Brobbey ensured the spoils would be shared in added time after hooking an effort past David Raya.
Sunderland have scored more 90th minute goals than any other side in the Premier League this season, with three of them altering the result of the match in their favour, and Le Bris commended the never-say-die attitude of his players.
The Frenchman told BBC Sport: “The lads worked hard to the end.
"They believed it was possible to change the dynamic. It was a tough game, as we expected.
"They are probably one of the best teams in Europe. We struggled, but we still believed it was possible to score one more goal."
Sunderland have scored four goals via substitutes in the Premier League this season, with only West Ham and Brighton scoring more, and it was Brobbey who made the telling impact from the bench this time around.
“We have many good options coming off the bench," said Le Bris.
"So far, some of them haven’t played a lot but were still connected with the squad.
"Brian worked hard after Wilson [Isidor], because Wilson started well. It’s a reward for working hard.”
Sunderland sit in fourth place with 19 points from their 11 matches played, having made the best top-flight start of any side since Hull in 2008/09, but Le Bris believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.
He said: “For our fans, they deserve to look to the future with positive vibes.
"As a manager and coaching staff, we still want to improve our team, so we analyse. It was a good opportunity to do that and to improve the squad later.”
neecstuy
1
playing boring football, and what is the commendation for,next season relegation is your abode.
fozbckntyz
1
arsenal os shit
visacnotu
2
It's never true they haven't concede a goal
Cekabcpsy
0
Sunderland will finish in the bottom 6. They are not a good side. One dimensional.
Why won't you just change your activities by stop watching football and concentrate on scavenging obsolete objects in a well designated refuse disposal to make your life better. Some people are always desperate to be popular, but only in an infamous manner. I am very sure you must be the protagonist of these sort of people...
Cekabcpsy
1
Sunderland will finish in the bottom 6. They are not a good side. One dimensional.
Why won't you just change your activities by stop watching football and concentrate on scavenging obsolete objects in a well designated refuse disposal to make your life better. Some people are always desperate to be popular, but only in an infamous manner. I am very sure you must be the protagonist of these sort of people.
resabekpst
1
I’m a Newcastle fan, but Sunderland deserved everything they got today!!! Bottom 6………ridiculous!
Sorry to hear your opinion but they are one dimensional and i ( my opinion) will finish in the bottom 6. 💯.
Wamiklmsty
6
If Sunderland hadn’t sat back at 1-0 and let the Gunners take it to them the end result might have been very different. In the end 2-2 was a fair scoreline. Loved the fight in the Black Cats today!
Wamiklmsty
1
Sunderland will finish in the bottom 6. They are not a good side. One dimensional.
I’m a Newcastle fan, but Sunderland deserved everything they got today!!! Bottom 6………ridiculous!
resabekpst
2
Sunderland will finish in the bottom 6. They are not a good side. One dimensional.