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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for 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 veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.