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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

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

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium 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 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal 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.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

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

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late 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 finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.