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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

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

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

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

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough room to lash a right-footed 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 was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.