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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. 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

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

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

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.