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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 captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back 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 featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not far away. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

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