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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

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

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.