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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.