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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

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 Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.