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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, 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.

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

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.