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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.