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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.