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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino 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 soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. 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 last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.