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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered 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 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not far away. They moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.