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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years away from the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.

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

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain held off Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.