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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

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

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not far away. They worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.