🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

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

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.