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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six 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 outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

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