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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

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

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.