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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka'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 newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland 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 game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees 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 spent eight years outside the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball 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 underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further example of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.