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

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a position few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

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

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target 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 head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box 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 previous trip 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 club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.