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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating 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, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not far away. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

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

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.