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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half 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.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

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

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

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