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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.