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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

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

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

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

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.