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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

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

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving 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 Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt 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 continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.