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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found 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 second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.