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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, 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 struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

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

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.