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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed 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 break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

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