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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 captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.