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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since 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 were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.