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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.