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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.