Sunderland snatch point against Arsenal in stoppage time | Chelsea ease to win over managerless Wolves

0:06You're listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Welcome along. A doubleheader on Saturday Night Football saw Arsenal travel to Sunderland before Chelsea played Wolves at Stamford Bridge. Here is how the evening unfolded.

0:26Sunderland have shaken things up.

0:32A standout performance in the North East. Broby, Brian Broby off the bench with an added time equaliser for the side that led in the first half. Arsenal came back, but so did Sunderland, who have given Arsenal their toughest test of the campaign so far, scoring twice against Arsenal, unheard of. And so Arteta's side dropped points for the first time in a long time. but this feels like a night that belongs to Sunderland and to Dan Ballard who scored once and assisted another for Granit Xhaka another standout display from him the atmosphere in the Stadium of Lights was incredible and it should be because the final score is Sunderland 2, Arsenal 2 Wow, what a late twist that is cheered as far as Manchester City and Liverpool as well.

1:36Regis de Brist's side finding a way to stop Arsenal in those final moments. Darren Bent your assessment of that second half? Yeah I mean Sunderland didn't start very well of course they gifted Arsenal the first goal but to be fair you've got to fast forward to the end the way they reacted going two one down never stop trying putting the ball in the box making Arsenal answer questions make them defend and again Brown probably with a really really good finish I mean we'll see it a bit later on but they keep making Arsenal defend and when the opportunities come they took it in and fair play for Sunderland I think the point was the right result.

2:07Significant twist Gary what do you think? Yeah good game I thought I think Sunderland obviously would be delighted at the moment I think when Arsenal reflects on it in a few days it's not a bad point it's a tough place to go Sunderland gave them a real tough game so yeah good game to watch. Three goals conceded all season up to this point from Arsenal and two on one evening at the Stadium of Light. Granit Xhaka leading Sunderland so well yet again. This is a team though that is made of granite. They do not know when they are beaten. And they are pinching themselves, those Sunderland fans, right now.

2:43The journey they have been on over the last five years to get to this point and they are now third in the Premier League with that points. Arsenal do extend their lead. They were so close to making a nine point gap to Manchester City. They have to settle for seven points before City play Liverpool tomorrow.

3:08The Sunderland equaliser on 90 plus four and there was still time for Dan Ballard to make what felt like a goal-saving block at the other end. Let's hear from Ballard and Brobby with David Craig. Dan, Bryan, well done. Dan, a lot of people were asking before this game, we'd find out in the next few weeks about Sunderland starting today. What have we found out? I think you saw again the fight in the team. It's incredible. The boys worked so hard throughout the whole week and we show it on the pitch. We fight to the end. The amount of late goals we've scored, it's brilliant. You got the first goal, you got the ball rolling, first goal from the feet in two years.

3:51What was said at half-time? Yeah, I mean, they caused us a lot of problems, to be fair, in the game. We was camped in on the edge of the box. We knew we'd have to take our chances at set pieces and be a lot more aggressive off the ball. Obviously, going in 1-0 up, we thought we could get something out of the game and in the end we did. Brian, you were sent on. What did the manager say to you when he sent you on? Just that I need to be important. Hopefully with the goal and today. Just talk us through that goal, that equaliser. I think it was a long ball. I don't know from who. But then the big man with a good header and I was at the right place.

4:32How immense has the man been alongside you today? Yeah, really good, really good. Really important today for the team. Dan, do you sense there's something really special happening here at Sunderland? You've taken on the best team in the Premier League, arguably one of the best teams in Europe, and in fairness, gone toe-to-toe. Yeah, I mean, we're very calm, to be honest. It's a long season. We've had a good start, obviously, but there's been a lot of games that have been tight. So, you know, if we keep going like this, hopefully we can, you know, achieve our goal. Well, listen, well done to both of you, but Dan in particular, well done to you.

5:05Brian, do the honours, you are the player of the match. Thank you. Cheers.

5:15Mikel, before we get into the nuts and bolts of the game, is that fair to say that that's one of the biggest tests you've faced in all competitions this season? Yeah, really tough tests, we knew that. The way they set up, credit to them as well, because they make it very difficult for you. They take the game constantly to the areas that they want, you have to deal with that. and very unfortunately at the end we conceded the goal. Did you sense that they'd really disrupted your rhythm, the way you like to play, particularly in the first half? There was a sense that there was two different sides to Arsenal's performance today in the first and second half.

5:49Well, just the time that has been added obviously tells you the story of the game. So it's normal, each team tries to do its best, to do what we have to do and we try the same. Rajis, well done. We spoke a lot before the game about what we might learn about your team coming up against one of the best teams in the Premier League, arguably one of the best teams in Europe. What did you learn this evening? I think we showed once again our character and our togetherness because we struggled as expected against a really strong squad with different options to score, to threaten your defence. But even when we went through difficult moments, I think we showed that it was possible to change the dynamic and to create something until the end.

6:34Looking at your bench today, with respect, probably not the strongest that we've seen from Arsenal at times this season. All those players we know, Martino Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Martinelli, Gabi Jesus, is this coming at a good time for you? Yeah, we have seven injured players, especially on the front line, so we're very limited with the options that we have. But this is the season as well, you're going to go through those periods, those players, they haven't been with us for the last two months, and we still done really, really well. So be credit to the team. Just finally, do battles like this make you stronger?

7:08Do they make you potential champions? For sure. And I love the way the team reacted and we scored the two goals and go ahead. It's just a shame that in the last minute we can see the goal in the manner that we've done it. But that's the league. Mikel, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, they look really good in that second half. Certainly much improved performance from Arsenal, but Sunderland just wouldn't lie down for them. And that's five goals now. They've scored 90 or later, which is two more than anyone else. Arsenal included in that list on three. But it's just, it's character, Regis Le Briss talked about.

7:47It's resilience. It's all positive, isn't it, Darren, for some of them? It is, certainly. I mean, first half, I thought their performance tonight was really good. Second half started off a little bit sloppy, I'd say. But you're right, to go 2-1 down against a side like Arsenal, who they spoke about being one of the best sides in Europe, to kind of find that courage and that kind of hunger and desire to come from behind and still keep putting balls in the boxes, still trying to make Arsenal defend, still trying to create the opportunity. That's testament to them and to the manager as well, because a lot of people have looked at them this season and thought, yeah, they've spent a bit of money as well.

8:19Have they got enough to stay in the division? And I think they've already shown us, even though it's early days, that they've got more than enough with the experience of Xhaka, some of the other signers they've made as well. It all comes from the manager. and I think they've been an absolute credit to the division but Stadium of Light will be a big reason as to why they stand this division because it's such a tough place to go. And it's perhaps ironic when we talk about Sunderland spending that the man of the match and one of the heroes of their season so far has been Dan Ballard picked up for, what, two million quid in the championship years and is flying with the team.

8:51The home form that you speak about, Darren, that does feel like it is going to be a factor for Sunderland. They are still unbeaten at the Stadium of Light I suppose, Gary, the longer this goes on, the more the belief will grow, won't it? Yeah, I think that's what you saw in today's performance was belief, you know, that start that they make there. When you come up to the Premier League from the Championship, as much as you're looking forward to it, there is like an uncertainty and there is a little bit of doubt because you're stepping up to the toughest division in world football. But when you go and beat West Ham at home on the first day and you start the Premier League season like this, it doesn't take long for that belief to grow on the pitch, in the stands and you could feel that today up against the best side in the league there was never any doubt that they were going to give them a real tough game and that they were you know Arsenal will argue they should have won it but I think Sunderland were worthy of a point How much of a setback is it for Arsenal Darren?

9:44I guess now it's probably still a bit raw so they probably will be thinking is points dropped but I think when they look back at the performance as a whole and how Sunderland did cause them problems I think it's a positive point now I think it helps that Liverpool Manchester City your plan tomorrow against each other so potentially they're both going to drop points or definitely one of them is going to drop points so I think he'll be looking at it again do you know what in the long run maybe it's not the worst point in the world worst performance in the world but I guess it's the next fixture which of course is the North London derby which is where they'll be looking to get back on track with maximum points Which side will you be on for that one?

10:16Are you going to ask me that question?

10:23I've just been listening to you on the radio too much What positives will Arsenal take from this today? No, I think you saw in Mikel's demeanour there, I think if he'd have been disappointed with the performance or the group, you'd have felt it more. You'd have felt it more in that. I think you could see there, you go to a team that are third in the league and have started unbelievably well, at a very tough place to go, and you have eight or nine attacking players missing from your squad. It's never going to be a straightforward afternoon for them. So I think they go there, they don't get beat, they probably edged it and he'll go home thinking, OK, I can live with that today and hopefully we get some players back and we're still eight points clear or whatever they are due to their fantastic start.

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11:37And that's that. Tough afternoon for the interim head coach of Wolves James College. But Enzo Maresca has that winning feeling back here at Stamford Bridge and can even afford a smile across his face. To the second half for things to get going and Malo Gusto, an unlikely first goal scorer for the Blues, his first goal for the club and his 98th appearance for them. João Pedro got the second, Esteval had only been on the pitch for 68 seconds when he teed up his compatriot and the third and the second assist for Alejandro Garnaccio, Pedro Neto against his former club. Esteval came off the bench and Sparkle once again.

12:21Smiles on the faces at Stamford Bridge once again as they moved up to second place in the Premier League. Whereas Wolves, well, they remain winless. 11 games in now. Final score at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea 3, Wolves nil. Well, Darren Benton, that was much better from Chelsea, wasn't it? Yeah, more Rufus in that second half. A lot more energy, end product as well, getting into some really good areas. And yeah, it could have been more. I mean, I think the substitutions played a part as well in terms of changing the personnel. But certainly when they got their noses in front with that Gosto header, there was only ever going to be one winner.

12:55A bit of sparkle there, did Gary? Yeah, they did. They did. We spoke at half-time, didn't we? Around like 11 shots to zero. Enzo would have believed if they kept going in that manner and they kept putting balls in the box and they kept dominating it, that it would go his way. Stats say that it will. The early goal, second half, definitely settled them as well. Gave them a little easier feeling around the stadium. and then they went on to be comfortable winners in all our sticks. So what words of comfort would you have for your former club broads at this point? I think obviously a difficult day and prep for James Collins in a difficult situation but now the club has an opportunity to move forward.

13:30Hopefully a new manager in charge in the next day or weeks that they've got the international break to sort of reset and go again and they've still got a group there that will fight, they will fight, they will give everything but they need a lift and hopefully the next managerial appointment will give them that. Well it is reported that Rob Edwards the Middlesbrough manager is in talks with Wolves about seceding Vitor Pereira. When he looks at what he's got here Darren how confident do you think he will feel about being able to steer the ship to safety? Two points on the board from 11 games. I mean of course when he gets the job he's going to have to kind of give it that whole speech in terms of that he's got to keep believing but I mean look at the performance today I mean they got in some really good areas but I never really felt that they were ever going to hurt Chelsea, were they ever going to score a goal too passive out of possession, not getting after the ball enough so he's going to have to go in there and listen he's a smart manager, he's a smart man he'll be under no illusions that the job and the task that he's got to try and get Wolves out the bottom three because again their performances it's not so much they have not got good players because they have but they don't carry much of a goal threat you almost feel if Strand Larsson doesn't score who is going to score can they keep clean sheets as well because that's going to have to to change as well and I just think it's such a tough tough job but fair play to them for taking it it does feel Gary remarkably different to the team that you had that went there and won just a couple of years ago yeah I think it's an interesting transition that they've gone through obviously with they've lost big players in the summer windows so far but they did spend a lot in the last summer window they spent a lot of money they backed Vitor in the summer and so far this new team that has been put together has not been able to put enough results on the board.

15:14And they're in a transition period, really, from the group that we had to a more physical group that maybe carries a bit more physicality, but not as technical. And it's going to need a big, big reset. But Rob, obviously, has already been in a great job at Middlesbrough, so must see something in this that gives him a good opportunity to work with this group and give them a chance to stay up in the second half of the season.

15:43There were cheers at half-time and most certainly cheers at full-time for Chelsea tonight. Three-nil demolition of Wolves in the second half, a landmark night for Malo Gusto and Joao Pedro on the score sheet once again. Let's hear from both of those two with Nathalie Ghebre. Boys, well done. Well fought. Three points here. So what was key to finally break them down in the second half? Because you tried so much in the first half, 11 shots, but then in the second half things just happened more naturally, didn't they? Yeah, I think they were compact in the first half. We struggled a lot to find space more between the line, but the second half was much better.

16:28We found our players more easier. I think that's why we scored the first goal and after it was easier for the team. How much resilience did you have to show, especially after creating so many chances? We've seen Chelsea struggle a little bit during the season against low blocks, but tonight you really found solutions. I think to play against back five is always difficult, but I think the key today was number in the box. And then I think if you put numbers in the box, one time the ball is going to be for us. And today, Malo was there and then the game is open. So, yeah, I think you need to keep going like this to put numbers in the box when you play against back five because it's tough.

17:12Talking about numbers in the box, you mentioned Malo, your first goal in 98 appearances for Chelsea and you get yourself in the box many times. I imagine you, how much were you looking forward to this moment? Yeah, a long time since I came here, but it's not enough. It's just the beginning. The performance was really important for us before the international break. We got the three points. We are here for the top four, which is our objective. We have to keep going and keep fighting. Could you talk us through the goal? Because you timed it perfectly, your movement, because you were on-site. And at the moment, did you realise, God, it's my first goal for Chelsea?

17:55Yeah, of course. But as João said, it was our plan to bring players in the box. We know it's our keys. We showed that today. So we're very happy for the team. And João, scoring back-to-back goals. Before I speak about your goal itself, Estevam, 68 seconds he needed to get the assist to you. How impressive has he been in a daily basis? Because I know you've been helping him settle a lot. I think everyone knows. Stefan is a talent and when he came on, he always wanted to show his ability. And today, again, he could give assist to me and I'm very happy to him because he adapts very quickly. And we are here to help him.

18:43Mariesca mentioned that he's been managing a few issues, niggles physically with you. So how's it been for you and how much does it mean to score back-to-back when you're still managing this as well? Like I said, the others interview, I'm on the pitch to help the team, of course, first. But I'm very happy to score because I know it's very important for my position. But the important is the three points. I just want to help the team and today I could score. I'm very happy. And how important was it to win tonight? Because there was a bit of a bad mood after midweek against Carabao. Yeah, but it's different things.

19:22Now it's Premier League. We won the last game against Tottenham, which was important. Now against Wolves, it was a tough game, but we made the job tonight. So let's keep pushing. Well done, boys. Thank you. Mano Gristo, off the mark. And interesting to hear him as well talk about Chelsea's desire to finish in the top four. That is the target, he says. And I'm sure there's much more beyond that in terms of cup competitions. But did Chelsea look in good shape, Gary? Do you think that's three wins in four? Yeah, I think that's a sort of a classic Enzo Maresco performance, that one tonight, that complete domination, 3-1-6, some goals that would have come.

19:583-1-6, what do you mean by that? Just the shape. Enzo will use 3-1-6 against the back five a lot, try and create overload. You hear Pedro there talking about numbers in the box. That'll be trying to overload Wolves' five with six arriving in the box. Worked well for a couple of the goals. So that's sort of Chelsea. you see both sides of them where it can look a bit stale first half and they don't quite get their rhythm. And then second half, once they get their goal, they look completely dominant and very comfortable. But they've recruited well, a lot of good young players, a good coach. I don't see any reason that they don't finish in a top four.

20:29Darren thought you were talking about bingo numbers. No, of course they know. Do you agree? Are they top four material again? I think so, yeah. I think it's just consistency. It's a young squad. There's a lot of players that are still trying to develop. A lot of moving passes well in the summer. But I feel they've shown signs and flashes, and especially with the injuries they've got out. I mean, their best player's not there in a minute, Cole Palmer. And we know once he gets into his groove, things happen very, very quickly. So I'd expect Chelsea to finish in the top four. I don't think they're quite title challengers yet, but I fully expect them to have a big say on who does win the Premier League and certainly in the cup competitions they're in to go quite far in them.

21:05Let's bring in some more reaction then. We can hear from James Collins, who is the interim Wolves boss. As we know, he's with Natalie Jedra. James, how frustrating was it after so much fight in the first half to not get anything and get that negative scoreline tonight? Yeah, I thought first half we showed a real spirit the boys stuck to the game plan we probably could have done a bit better with the ball but we'd done a lot of work this week out of possession and I thought you could see that maybe with the ball we were a bit loose in the first half but we had something to build from and play from.

21:44And second half then the first goal really knocked us. What that did do is allowed us to probably do a bit better in possession because the boys then started to play a little bit more out of structure which made the game a bit more open. The danger with that is you leave yourself open at the back and they were a good side and they took their chances. You mentioned when you guys tried more and after Chelsea's first goal especially, why do you think you couldn't capitalise? Because you were much more positive on the ball. Yeah, I felt almost the shackles came off a bit. I think the boys probably felt we're behind now.

22:22And we didn't quite hold that structure very well. Having said that, we created some moments. We got on top a little bit. I thought if we could have... That was our foothold in the game, if you like. But I always knew the back door was open at the other end. and I thought they took their counter-attacking moments brilliantly. Talking about the game plan, considering the defensive record this season, 22 goals conceded in 10 matches, now 25 in 11, the main idea was not to concede and then go from there. Yeah, you come to a place like this, you have to keep it tight. They've got, I think they scored 25 out of the last 26 games.

23:02Now, I thought we did that first half without probably offering enough an attack. But I felt the spirit they showed. The boys worked for each other. They're connected. And we got little moments of pressure. But then it's hard to do that for 90 minutes. You've got to give a little bit more going the other way. The goal forced us to do that or forced the players on the pitch to do that. And I thought we did then play some better football. But the game became more open and that was the danger. I think the objective is to try and do both. Defend well, defend tight, defend connected, but also offer a bit more going forward.

23:40Even though it's a heavy scoreline, do you think it shows that there is a base here to build from? Most definitely. The spirit the boys showed, I thought, even at the end of the game, where they're pressing at the top end of the pitch and they're having the right go at trying to get the ball back. The boys are low on confidence for obvious reasons. But there's a spirit in there and there's a connection in there and they've got to build on that and they've got to grab hold of that. And then that's step one. And then we've got to do better to attack better and defend better. And that's the basics of the game.

24:14Yeah, talking about it, of course, when the new manager comes, you guys will have conversations with him. What is the main message that you want to get across to the new manager from your experience here with them? my main message to him will be that this group isn't a group to give up on this season this group can get something out of this season because I think there's a togetherness with them and they want to do it so much so if the structure is put in place if the organisation is put in place and work is done with them I think they can improve and improve and then maybe with some additions in January we can get out of trouble and of course there's been a lot of reports during the day regarding Rob Edwards and talks with the club.