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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 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 nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before another long stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. They worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.