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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek'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 Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.