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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.