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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.