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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

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

Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.