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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide 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 bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal 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 late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

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

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.