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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Isidor shot wide at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.