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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the top flight.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player'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 physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side 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 come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.