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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted 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 away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end 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 Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

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

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.