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

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed strike 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 equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.