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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

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

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

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

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. They worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.