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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain 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 underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.