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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

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

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

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 engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, 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 huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.