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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 captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel 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 caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before another long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.