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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

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

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip 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 team best eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not far away. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.