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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

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

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. 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 penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult visit to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

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