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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, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign 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 place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. They moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate 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 game's last action.