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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

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

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

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

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.