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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – 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 revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of quality was not far away. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.