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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening 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 are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal 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 game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.