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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

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 crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit 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 all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

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