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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent eight years away from the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

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

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.