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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper 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 have a seven-point advantage over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed 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 surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to lash 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 the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.