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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.