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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 Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight 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 Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another long 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 follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.