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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

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

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

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

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not far away. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

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