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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain 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 advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

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

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.