🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a position few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost 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 crossbar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

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 shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.