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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

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

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit 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 consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.