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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 Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not far away. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.