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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League 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 cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike 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 team had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit 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 eight successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced 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 moment of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.