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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

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

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 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 uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.