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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal 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 English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Rice to lash the shot 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 demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.