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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern 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 fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball 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 underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

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

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.