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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before another lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike 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.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.