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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 scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for 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 veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland 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 away from the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

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