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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push 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 ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

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

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for 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 form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after making 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 Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

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

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another example of skill was not far away. They moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.