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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats 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 in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent eight years away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

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

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.