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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.