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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

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

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads 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 stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.