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

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

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

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.