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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding 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 Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.