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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard 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 previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.